Daniel C. McDonnell, 75, of Dubuque, formerly of Bernard, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at home.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30th, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with mass to begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection with Rev. Mike Schueller officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Family New Melleray. Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. is assisting the family.

Dan was born on a farm near Bernard, Iowa, on August 22, 1950, the son of Ambrose and Florence (Lambe) McDonnell. At nine his family moved into town where he would soon meet his small-town sweetheart, Margie McCarthy. He attended Garryowen Grade School and graduated from Aquin High School Class of 1968. Dan and Margie would be married on November 14th, 1970, at Holy Family New Melleray Catholic Church and would eventually be blessed with two beautiful daughters.

He was a gentle man who enjoyed peace and simple pleasures, especially a couple of beers and a steak. He worked hard at many different jobs throughout his life to support his family, even moving to California to follow work in 1983 before moving back to Dubuque in 1993 to settle into the place he would call home. Home was Danny’s happy place, and he was thankful to God to pass there peacefully. He was an avid golfing and sports fan, supporting the Vikings, Reds, Celtics, and Hawkeyes. He was quick to laugh, patient, and decisive when needed.

Danny is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Margie McDonnell; daughters: Amanda (Eric) Davidson, and Heather (James) Saul; grandchildren, Austin (Lindsay) Delaney, expectant with great granddaughter, James Saul and Luna Saul; siblings Don (Sharon) McDonnell, Sr. Marlene McDonnell, and Lynn McDonnell; siblings-in-law, Ruth (Lyle) Moore, Twyla Oswald, Marilyn (Dana Nolta) Redenbaugh, René (Eileen) Comeaux, and Beverly McCarthy.

He is reunited it heaven with his parents; in-laws Dan and Myrtle McCarthy; siblings and
siblings-in-law: David McDonnell, Ronnie (Marlene) Oglesby, Mike McCarthy, Carol Bevins,
Pat (Yvonne) Wolbers, Frank Oswald, Harriet (Paul) Sullivan, Bill Merchant, Jim Redenbaugh and Joe McCarthy.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque especially Buffy, Angelia and Ava; Rev. Phil Gibbs; Deacon Mike Ellis; the Oncology Department at Medical Associates; Amy McDonnell; and all the friends and family for their care and compassion for Dan.