Daniel Eugene McGivern

Daniel Eugene McGivern, loving husband, father, Papa and brother passed away on March 1, 2023 at the age of 72. As a stalwart of the Iowa City community, his love, support, and wry sense of humor extended beyond the borders of the city and state he loved so much. His route from humble beginnings to successful financial advisor with NorthStar Resource Group was punctuated by his dedicated support and fundraising for charities that allowed his community to thrive. Those who met Dan forever remembered the distinct impression he left after any interaction.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM, Saturday, March 11, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Iowa City. Visitation will be Friday, March 10, 2023 from 4 PM to 7 PM at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service in Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dan McGivern Memorial fund to benefit patient families and nurses of the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at UIHC via MidwestOne Bank.
Born June 12, 1950 in Marengo, Iowa, Dan's unrivaled work ethic was honed on his family's farm with his nine siblings. From farm chores to digging ditches for the county, to excavating and laying the foundation for Mama's Bar (now the Dublin Underground) in Iowa City, Dan finally settled himself in the Iowa City community to work for the Post Office. Often referred to as the "hippie mailman," with long hair, handlebar mustache, and his uniform adorned with strands of beads, Dan's career as a postman served as a means to support his brother, Mike, who was attending college and wrestling for the University of Iowa.
Dan's love and enthusiasm for Iowa wrestling only grew over the next 50 years. He served as a volunteer assistant coach to Dan Gable, was a dedicated I-Club member, and sponsored the Mike J. McGivern Award, which was named after his father and presented to the most courageous wrestler each year. A season ticket holder since the 1970s, Dan's passion for the sport and Iowa's program stood undiminished through his final days. His love of athletics and endless pursuit of self-improvement would carry him to be a racquetball champion, dedicated runner, and a heavily invested golfer.
It was through his involvement with Iowa Wrestling that Dan met his wife, Cludy, in 1976. They married in 1979 and built a home full of love and support on the east side of Iowa City. Together, with Cludy, they filled their four children's lives with creative learning experiences, memorable roadtrips, and the ability to make the best out of any situation.
Dan was the exemplar for using one's gifts and resources to help others. As the chair of St. Patrick's Financial Committee for 17 years, Dan oversaw the funding and construction of the new St. Patrick's church, after the destruction of the original building in the tornado of 2006. His involvement and volunteer work at Regina Education Center spanned two decades where he served on countless committees and coached the boys golf team. As a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International, Dan's fundraising efforts supported several international programs that helped vulnerable populations. His years of service would later give him the opportunity to fulfill a life-long dream to play the Old Course at St. Andrew's in Scotland with fellow international Rotarians.
Each year, Dan's love for golf intersected with his passion for fundraising when he participated in a golf tournament to support the Ronald McDonald House. In the days in between, he would collect tabs from soda cans to donate to Ronald McDonald House. One would be hardpressed to find a family member who did not have an old milk jug or cup under their sink to collect pop tabs for Dan.
With two of his children attending the University of Michigan, Dan's support for Wolverine football was deepened after identifying himself as the driver and first to respond in a formative injury coach Jim Harbaugh suffered at a young age in Iowa City. With national publicity and a warm reception, Dan was grateful for the support and friendship Coach Harbaugh extended. Dan was incredibly proud of the lasting relationships he built throughout his life. Those who were lucky to call him a friend remember the hand-written letters he would send when they least expected.
Dan always said he was blessed to find an occupation where he got paid for asking questions and listening to stories. The friendships and relationships he made while working with the people who trusted and heeded his advice were the most rewarding part of his job. He worked hard for his professional designations: CLU, RHU, CLTC.
Beyond his children and the community relationships he developed, Dan was proudest of his grandchildren. "Papa" to four, he never missed an opportunity to drive to Evanston, Illinois to watch piano recitals, baseball games, soccer games, and swim meets. Finding a level of patience for his grandchildren that was both confusing and inspiring to his children, Dan was always up to FaceTime, exchange fart-centric dad jokes with William, discuss golf strategy with Michael, play spa with Mary, and listen to budding readers. His grandson, Holden, lived close by. Dan would race home from work whenever Holden visited to sit with him in his Papa chair to share the ins and outs of wrestling and golf.
Dan was honored to be the recipient of a heart transplant, vowing to work hard every day to help others and protect the heart as best he could. Cludy was his biggest advocate, working faithfully all day, every day, to motivate and support her husband of 43 years. Every nurse, physical therapist, physician and respiratory therapist worked tirelessly to help Dan get better. His body finally succumbed to complications of pneumonia – he was surrounded by his wife and children and died peacefully late in the evening on March 1.
Dan is survived by his wife, Cludy, his four children, Melissa (Jeff Sanko, Michael, William and Mary), Michael (Maggie Rediske, Holden), Sean (alea adigweme), and Bryan (Julia Rhodes), eight siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Bette and Michael McGivern, parents-in–law Evelynn and James Condrin, and brother Jack McGivern.
To his extended family, Dan was an exceptional role model who led a life with an abundance of purpose, service, humor, and love. The pride that radiated from Dan when he talked about his children and grandchildren inspired those listening to do and be their best for their own future.
Online condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com