Rochelle, Illinois
1953-2010
Daniel K. "Dan" Twombly, 57, of Rochelle, Ill., died Friday July 9, 2010, in Fort Morgan, Colo.
Born March 17, 1953, in Rockford, he was the son of Henry "Hank" and Sonja (Johnson) Twombly.
Dan devoted his life to working with children with special needs, from his teenage years when he helped at Hopkins Park with their summer programs, throughout his career as a special education teacher in Illinois and Yakima, Wash., to his later years where he assisted at DeKalb High School. His time spent with these kids did not finish at the end of the school day. He was known for taking his students on after-school outings, including to the museum, circus, concerts, camping, and even a cross-country trip. Two of these special students, Danny and Andy Hedberg, have made a huge impact in Dan's life, which also grew into friendships with Dan's entire family.
Dan was a long-time member of Marilyn's Majorettes Drum Line and an avid drum corps enthusiast. He was a member of the former Chicago Vanguards and was a volunteer with the Santa Clara Vanguard in California and the Phantom Regiment in Rockford.
He loved the arts and was himself an artist, creating numerous paintings, sketches, pottery, jewelry and photographic art, which he generously gave away as gifts to family and friends. He enjoyed backpacking, camping and hiking, whenever time allowed. He had a deep appreciation for music and history and was considered an expert in these areas.
His final journey was to be a three-week motorbike trip out West, tracking Native American History. He was to finish his trip in Washington State, visiting family and friends along the way. Unfortunately, his trip was cut short, so his family would like to finish his trip for him spreading his ashes over the Western land and mountainside that he so loved.
Dan graduated from DeKalb High School in the class of 1971, and then he received to degrees from Northern Illinois University in special education and arts.
Survivors include his parents, Henry "Hank" and Sonja of Rochelle; brother, Gregory (Sheryl) of Wenatchee, Wash.; sister, Tamara (John) Bloom of Rockford; brother, Richard (Melisa) Twombly of DeKalb; nieces and nephews, David Twombly, Caryn Twombly, Joanna (Andy) Wiser, Rhya (Matt) Miller, Rachel (fiancé, John Lancaster) Bloom, Corey Twombly, Bret Twombly; great-niece and -nephews, Lindy and Theo Miller, Troy Lancaster and Henry Wiser.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, July 24, until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.
Arrangements are pending at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St., DeKalb, IL 60115; 815-758-3841. To send an online condolence, visit www.ronanmoorefinch.com.
Dan worked with students in my physical education classes over the years. His ability to build relationships with all students made him one of my favorites. I will miss him and more importantly, our students will miss his presence. May God give you comfort.
Cindy Lofthouse
July 18, 2010 | DeKAlb
Mr. Twombly was the most amazing teaching Assistant. I spent every day in PE with him and Sakysha. He taught me so much and is a big influence on my desire to become a Special Education teacher. He was so good to all of the students. He had a big heart and it was known by anyone who talked to him. Mr. T also gave me encouragement on my art when I had little faith, which I really appreciated. He was just the greatest guy ever and I, along with so many students, will miss him so so much. I keep...
Emily Sickele
July 15, 2010 | DeKalb, IL
Our thoughts and prayer go with you as you goes through this difficult time. I remember Dan when he used to visit his grandparents on Exchange street. All the neighborhood children all played together on Locust St. He was about 4-7 years old at the time. May the Lord give you strength at this time.
John Astling
July 14, 2010 | Lake Charles, LA
It's hard for me to believe that Dan is gone. Just the other day he came to visit me in my basement filled with records. He was was one my best customers at Record Rev. He also was a great person. Dan had a passion for music and spent many hours browsing thru the bins of music at my store. He volunteered to be the 'official photographer' at the Record Rev closing party at the House Cafe last year. He took wonderful photographs of the event and I will treasure them forever. As with a growing...
Mark Cerny
July 14, 2010 | DeKalb, IL
Tammy,
I was shocked to hear the sad news of Dan's passing. I have many fond Marlyn Majorette memories of Dan. I was in 6th grade when I joined and Marlyn threw me into a Sycamore parade without any practice. I remember Dan telling me to feel the beat and hit the cymbals whenever I felt like it and not to worry. I think I crashed the cymbals once but was very comfortable marching right alongside big Dan and his bass drum.
My heart and thoughts go out to you and your...
John Smith
July 14, 2010 | Houston, TX
Dan's mentoring spirit and passion for music spread across many years and many miles. I, too, really appreciate what he taught me, and especially everything he contributed to Aunt Marlyn's wonderful drum corps. We were "the best of the best". Thank You, Dan...
Julie Burkart Kelley
Julie Kelley
July 13, 2010 | Colorado Springs, CO
My husband, Rick Wolf who worked with Dan at DeKalb HS. , and I are sorry for your loss. Dan will be sorely missed...especially this fall with the start of the new school year. May the special memories that his friends and family hold be of comfort.
Lisa/Rick Kastello/Wolf
July 13, 2010 | DeKalb, IL
Tammy,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. You and your family are in my prayers.
Margot Burchard
July 13, 2010 | Richardson, TX
Like Vickie, my memories of Dan go back to that gym in Sycamore. He worked us until I thought we would drop but we were all better for it, and he was right there with us. I stayed in Marlyn's corps longer than most, and as I got older he became more than an instructor - he also became my friend. So many times over the years I have thought back to those days we all spent working together and Dan is always a part of the special memories. He was a wonderful man who gave his time and talent...
Shelley Fitzgerald Cotosman
July 13, 2010 | Davis Junction, IL
