Dan was the kindest gentle person to be around and so much fun. My sympathy goes to each family. Jane Zwiener

The Hilltop will miss Dan and his stories. He was just a big teddy bear and always gracious. His family, starting with Jerry and Kathy have been Hilltop regulars for a very long time. Such a great family!! So very sorry to hear of Dan's passing.

Hugs, prayers and love to all of the Dunham family!

Aww sweet Dan-so many fun memories with you and Mary Beth! So glad we got to see you last summer in Iowa City. Please check in on Joey for us. You will be missed dear friend!

I was in the same Airborne Infantry company as Dan in Vicenza, Italy. In my mind, he'll always be a twenty-one year old paratrooper. Deepest condolences to all his friends and family.

Heartfelt sympathy to Dan and Mary's family. I've known Dan since 9th grade. He had a great, fun loving attitude and was a joy to be around. I don't think it would have been possible to not like him! He was a good friend, a terrific teammate, and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Dan.

Tom Jacks

Reading of Dan’s passing, made me so sad. My heart goes out to Mary and family. Dan was one of the good ones and I will miss seeing and talking to him…he always made me smile! Truly, an Iowa City icon!

Terri and I enjoyed our visits (always in passing) with Dan. Always had a smile and such positive energy. Our condolences go out to Mary and the Dunham family, he will be missed. RIP Dan

I just seen Dans passing so sorry for your loss. he was always a great person to me .an for that i will never for get

Our sincere condolences to Mary and Dan’s family. My favorite memory of Dan was years ago when he was playing softball for The Flying Service, the opponents were tired of him hitting homers constantly, so the pitcher bounced the pitch in front of the plate. Dan did a golf swing and hit it well over the outfield fence! One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen! I always enjoyed running into Dan around town. He always made me smile - I’ll miss that! Much love to Mary!

I played softball in Coralville Monday nights in the late 70s, early 80s with Dan and a really fun crew of guys. Dan was a great athlete and hit bombs for us all the time. But the best things about him were his humor and big heart. I saw him just a few years ago and he hadn’t changed a bit. RIP Big Dan.

Dan I will always remember you as a super classmate. Seeing you at the last class reunion was tremendous. God bless you and your family.

Jane Zwiener

Dan was a gentle giant with a great bear hug! He was an extra special member of the City High class of 1971. He was loved by so many. I just got home from sharing many stories about Dan Friday afternoon at the Hilltop with many of his classmates and friends.

His stories and his manner of telling them whether on himself or others was so entertaining and comical. He could make my husband laugh until he cried!

Dan will be missed by so many. So many memories of a special person. I know we will be telling Dan Dunham stories for years. Our prayers are with him and his family.

Danette (Riley) and Mike Lehman

Mike and I send our deepest sympathy to Mary and the Dunham family. We really enjoyed seeing Dan either at the downtown music festival or at Deadwood. He had a lot of stories to tell and boy could he tell them well. RIP Dan you will be missed.

Dan was a great guy and a good friend. We loved talking food, cooking and recipes. Whenever he made something special,he would ride out to my house on his motorcycle with a sample for me to try. I will miss Dan. He was the best! Jane McCune

Sympathy to Dan's family and Mary Johnson, he was one of a kind in the best way. He will be missed, gone way too soon, but what a beautiful way to pass on.

Jim & Ceil Pickering

I first met Dan in Seattle in 1987 when Mary was attending the University of Washington. I was in the Air Force at the time and will always remember how Dan, when he found out about my choice in military branches, would never cease to remind me about how “tough” it was to in the Army. According to him, “AF pukes” were all teasippers and spoiled brats (of course, he used more colorful language than that, but I think you get the idea). He was such a skilled and creative storyteller that I almost believed him! Whether whoppers or reality, Dan was always an entertaining person to be around.

Dan also knew his way around the kitchen and the barbecue grill. Every time I came for a visit, he would treat me to a deliciously, done to a turn, Iowa pork chop with grilled corn on the cob. He made a thick, creamy potato&onion soup to die for and wonderful homemade bread. Yumm! Dan was a foodie before the term was coined.

So many memories that I cannot possibly list every single one. But the best memory of all was that underneath that seemingly gruff exterior, he was a sweet, kind and decent, teddy bear of a man “with a generous heart” who loved his family, his friends and served his country. Dan, you will be sorely missed!

Mary, we are so sorry to hear this. Dan was such a lovely guy and he will be greatly missed.

Kaci Carolan & Ed Kuhrt

So sad to hear that Dan has passed away. Friends for many yyears We compared City High storeies many times. He was the GENTLE GIANT in my book. My condolences to the Family.

Rex Brandstatter

Coralville

Dear Dunham Family:

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. He was such a kind, friendly and giving individual. We attended Iowa City Central Junior High at the same time and then our class split between West High and City High. But as of lately have seen him off and on and always had great conversations with him. He will be sorely missed. Sending the best thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Jim and Jan Callahan Barnes

Our warm thoughts are with each of you. DAVE, what a beautiful family you have. We will always remember times we have shared together.

Mike and Phyllis Ferrel

My sympathy to Mary & Dan's family for the loss of Dan. He was such a kind, gentle soul. I was fortunate to have known him as being a long time friend of Mary. He was so kind hearted with many times riding his motorcycle with flowers in hand to my past annual St Patty's Day brunch. Dan could give the strongest bear hugs. Rest in peace.

I don't even know where to start. Dan and I played baseball together at City High and were teammates on City High's 1970 championship football team. We shared alot of adventures and rounds of golf together. Dan's Dad and my Dad both played on the 1947 City High basketball team so we had that connection. Dan Dunham stories are legendary but one of my favorites was when the City High football coach asked members of our 1970 team to speak to the current team about what it meant to be a Little Hawk. We all had words of wisdom but when it came to Dan, he simply said "there's always a guy on every team like me, don't be that guy"...well I think we all wished we could've been more like Dan Dunham. Rest easy my friend and thanks for catching that touchdown pass in the Clinton game.

I was absolutely crushed to hear of Dan’s passing. Whenever I made it back to Iowa City, I always made sure to meet up with my old buddy for a few beers. I was lucky enough to have played baseball, basketball, football, and golf with Dan starting when we met in Junior High School at Central. Through the years we weren’t always on the same side in sporting events, but we were always very close friends. Dan worked for my father through the years, and he was always welcomed into my folks’ home… they really loved him. Nobody comes close to his natural humor and unbelievably descriptive story telling, and all the stories were true. When I heard of Dan’s passing, I took my dog for a long walk to remember my friend. I’m not ashamed to say the tears came as I was walking. Dan had only friends in his life.

Mary- so sorry to hear that Dan passed away. I have fond memories of you both when we lived across the street from each other on Carver Street in IC. Will miss his sense of humor and wit as well. He will be missed. Peace & love to you in these coming days & weeks. - Lisa (& Amelia) Cain, Iowa City

Mary, you and Dan were so good together! I’m thinking of you and Dan’s entire family.

always had a smile

Dunham family sorry for your loss. You will all be in my prayers. Will miss seeing Dan riding his motorcycle around town. Keep all the good memories in your hearts forever. God Bless you all.

Dan and I met when we were seven years old. That started a close friendship that lasted over 60 years. His infectious personality and childlike good nature drew all types of people to him. Although innately unpretentious, Dan's wonderfully dry wit was a constant source of laughter. He was among the best of us, and I am blessed to have known him throughout our lives. I already miss my dear friend.

I have fond memories of Dan, walking his dog, in Goosetown. We would stop and chat for a minute, usually about his dog. He was kind to me and always had something nice to say.

I will miss seeing him and his dog, from my picture window.

My condolences to his family and friends.

So very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. I will always remember him fondly! He was so kind, caring and fun! I will forever treasure the childhood memories of growing up on the “north end”! Those are precious times! We were all so pleased to see Dan and Mary at Dad’s visitation and service last February! It meant so much to all of us! Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Most sincerely, Jim and Ann (Reiland) Stainbrook

Our condolences for your loss. Dean and I will always remember Dan with a smile. He was always so friendly, kind and considerate. His shining personality will live on in our hearts.