Daniel Stamatelos Jr.

Daniel Stamatelos Jr., 67, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2026, at Harmony Nursing Home in West Des Moines, where he had resided for the past five years. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines. The service will also be broadcast via Zoom, with a link available through this page.

Dan was a gifted golfer who earned a college golf scholarship, an avid sportsman, a lifelong lover of rock and roll, and the longtime manager of Johnny’s Vets Club, his family’s restaurant, before multiple sclerosis changed the course of his life at age 42.

Over the next 25 years, Dan demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience, and an unwavering determination to live life to its fullest, even as his physical world grew smaller. Known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and compassion, he was a passionate advocate for vulnerable people, particularly those living with disabilities.

Dan will be deeply missed by his mother, Patricia, 91, who celebrated her birthday with him just days before his passing; sister, Kimberly Stamatelos of Phoenix, AZ, who shared his final weeks helping him celebrate his life and prepare his farewell; and his younger brother, Jon, for whom Dan was both a beloved big brother and a lifelong friend. Dan’s greatest pride was his son, Patrick, and the kind and generous man he had become. Ever the romantic, Dan introduced Patrick to Jill, one of his first caregivers at the nursing home. Their marriage brought together a loving blended family of four grandchildren, a source of tremendous joy for Dan. He is also survived by two nieces and one nephew; six great nieces and nephews all of whom brought great joy to Dan

In choosing how to live his final days, Dan gave those around him a new understanding of how to face death—not simply with courage, but with love, gratitude, and even joy. His peaceful acceptance and active participation in planning his farewell transformed what could have been a time of sorrow into a celebration of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1110 35th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50311.