Daniel Read

He grew up in Louisville, NE and finished high school in Greeley, CO. From the start, Daniel carried a steady mix of courage and curiosity, someone who could meet life head-on, work hard with his hands, and still find time to laugh along the way.

Daniel served in the US Marines with 3/1 Kilo as an Infantry Anti-Tank Assault Man (0351), including service in Fallujah, Iraq in 2007. His resilience and faithfulness showed not in loud declarations, but in the quiet way he kept going, kept showing up, and kept taking care of what needed to be done. After his military service, he brought that same grit and know-how into his work as a plumber, handyman, and outdoor lighting expert, skills that matched his practical heart and his instinct to make life better for the people around him.

More than anything, Daniel was a devoted dad. He welcomed his daughters, Addy in October 2010 and Lizzy in April 2015.He was passionate about spending time with family and spent as much time as possible with his daughters camping, fishing, and swimming. He loved the outdoors, and it loved him back, especially the water, where “fishing, fishing, and more fishing” wasn’t just a hobby, it was practically a lifestyle. His love language was doing for others, and he was always willing to help, kind-hearted in the way that doesn’t ask for attention, only for the chance to lend a hand.

Daniel also poured his time into others as a leader in the Youth Shoreline fishing program, sharing patience, encouragement, and the sort of steady presence that makes people feel safe to try, fail, laugh, and try again. He was beloved for good reasons: compassionate in everyday moments, brave when it mattered most, and hard-working in ways that made life run a little smoother for everyone around him.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Judy and LeRoy Voigtman, and Linda Read; stepfather, Darwin Dammann.

Survived by loving mother, Liz Dammann; father, Larry (Mary) Read; his pride and joy, Addyson and Elizabeth Read; siblings, Michaela (Clay) Mueller, Justin (Shelby) Mason, Krystal Richards, Dustin Read, Josh Read, Jessica (Mitchell) Mirtsching, and many loving friends and family.

Dan, from all your family and friends, thank you for the wonderful memories and the legendary stories, even the ones where the fish magically grew six inches by the time you got home. You may have cast your final line with us, but you will remain anchored in our hearts forever. You will be missed immensely -- just not by the fish.