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Daniel G. Weiss
1959 - 2017
Daniel G. Weiss
1959 - 2017
Obituary
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Daniel Weiss Obituary
Des Moines
Daniel Gerard Weiss died Sunday, October 15, at his home in Des Moines. Daniel, 58, died peacefully with his children and family at his side.
Born June 3, 1959, to Marie and Clem Weiss, Daniel graduated from Newman High School in Mason City. He earned a BA in Art Education from Iowa State University.
In August of 1980 he married Susan Mackey and from this union two children, Simon and Hannah, were born. They made their home in Beaverdale, where Daniel's many artistic talents were always on display.
Combining this talent with a passion for teaching, he embarked on a career as a highly-regarded educator at Johnston High School, where he taught and mentored students for more than 30 years. During this time he also shared his assemblages and paintings in over 100 exhibits throughout the US. He was especially proud of his substantial installation in the 2010 Iowa Artists Exhibit in one of his favorite spaces, the Des Moines Art Center. A lifelong scholar, he also earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Daniel was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Mike. Survivors include his children, Simon (Ava), Irvine, California, and Hannah, Coral Gables, Florida; his mother, Marie, Mason City; siblings Marlene (Paul) Weber, Scottsdale, Arizona; Linda (Mike) Kennedy, New Hampton; David (Ann), Ankeny; Connie (Steve) Barry, Lincoln, Nebraska; Thomas (Ann), Des Moines; Sue (Patrick) Lang, Ankeny; Steve (Patti), Mason City; and Jeffrey (Tangela), Des Moines; and scores of adoring nieces and nephews.
Daniel refused to overlook or accept subpar performance or poor behavior in any student. He believed there is good in every individual. His life and his legacy challenge us to: "Get Your Good Out".
His children invite family, friends, and former students and colleagues to a celebration of life open house Sunday, October 22 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Jester Park Lodge, 11407 NW Jester Park Drive in Granger.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark Edward
April 16, 2018
I often think back to his class. I hated how difficult they were. In my freshman year I told my parents I wanted to drop his class. In my senior year, literally half of my day was spent in his classroom. In those four years, he never made me to feel stupid or strange or sinister. He pushed me to overcome. He taught me that art could be intelligent and demanding and experimental. We talked about culture, politics, and religion, and he always made me feel respected and valued. After graduating, I returned to visit him every year during college. When I came back from Houston, I visited him again with my six month old daughter. He was delighted to hold her, excited for her to learn what he had taught me. I remember how he showed her the students' work in the display case. We hugged, and I told him I would try to bring her back the next year. We emailed from time to time, but we weren't able to set up another meeting the following year. Or the next. Or the next. I will miss him, and forever regret not being able to say goodbye.
Heather (Halfhill) Leuck
November 13, 2017
Mr Weiss was a great teacher and a good friend. I had him for a teacher in the 10th grade when I lived Johnston, IA. He prepared us not only for college but for life. He was my favorite teacher. He will be truly missed.
October 31, 2017
Mr. Weiss,
It's been almost 30 years since I was at Johnston High School. I believe we had only run into each other a couple of times since then. (Including the time you tolerated my ridiculous Cutco sales pitch at your kitchen table. Lol. I'm a artist now. Whew!) I've thought of you often over the years... I think your life was a gift to all of us, not a loss with your passing too soon. I am so grateful to have known you. Thank you for being my soft place to land at school, when things weren't easy for me at home. Thank you for your open heart and laughter, your vulnerability and your guidance. You always made everyone feel like they were your favorite. Love and peace to your family.
Alicia (Shelton) VanAusdall
Class of 88'
Nedim Delahmet
October 26, 2017
Daniel G. Weiss was my favorite teacher. He was more than a teacher. He helped out with everything and everyone he could. He pushed us to the limits with art and got everyone creative side going. Thank you for instilling in me to never give up art and to never give up trying to help others. You are a great man and will be missed by many. Rest In Peace.
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Julie T
October 23, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Weiss was my daughter's teacher at Johnston High. Without a shadow of a doubt I know that he was the reason she was able to get through school. He was not only a teacher, but was to her a mentor, friend, and advocate. I'm very grateful for the concern and care he showed to her, above and beyond what was required. He truly cared for his students. Thank you, Mr. Weiss. Rest in peace. I'm sure you've those words, "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord".
Helen Thull
October 21, 2017
Hannah and Simon,
I know you will miss your dad. You both are so creative and talented. I am sure you were his joy.
I received a wonderful note from your dad when you were at Holy Trinity. He mentioned what a spiritual gift it is to teach and thanked me for being your teacher. You have a wonderful family and I am so glad that Simon is Patrick's friend!
Paula from Brasil
October 20, 2017
I just had my first exhibition of photographs in a art gallery in São Paulo, Brasil last month. Thought of him so much. He was the very first person who encouraged me and taught me the very first steps.
I'll never forget you "chicken"! Rest in peace.
Paula
October 20, 2017
Simon and Hannah-I know your dad was very proud of you both. I was his student the first year that he taught at Johnston High School. I used to babysit you both when Simon- you were 2 years old and Hannah-you were 4 months old. I remember that he gave me a tour of the house and he was so proud of the tile work that he'd done on the basement walls-it was very creative work. I remember that as students, he always pushed us to strive to do our best. He will always be a teacher I remember.
Sarah Pirnot
October 20, 2017
I had Mr. Weiss as my art teacher at Johnston High School the first year he taught there. My condolences to his loved ones-he passed so young.
Cathy Medina
October 20, 2017
Hi, I worked with Dan at the Record Bar in Iowa City back around 1980. Learning about his accomplishments since then, it's easy to see why he was creating the most amazing record store merchandising displays imaginable.
He offered to design my parents' 25th anniversary card.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Dan McNamara
October 19, 2017
Daniel was a very fine artist and I thought very highly of his work. He had the unique ability to envision the abstract qualities in simple objects and then arrange them into fine compositions. I will remember him.
October 19, 2017
Mr. Weiss was my daughter's Johnston High School art teacher. He taught her to "look twice."
Sincerest sympathy,
Anne (Katherine) Claes
Don Decker
October 19, 2017
Dan became my friend at Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2007. He was a true artist and caring person. I will miss him greatly.
Roderick Vesper
October 19, 2017
When I was a student at VCFA, one of the faculty connected Danel and I. They thought he could help me with the work I was doing related to the death of my Mother.
From that moment forward, my life changed as an artist and human being. I learned as much sitting on a bench with Daniel as I did in all the other interactions I had at VCFA.
He was passionate, intense, wise, and one of the most beautiful people I ever knew.
I will miss him, but I will carry him with me forever.
Nader Ajluni
October 18, 2017
We are so sorry,
Nader & Cyrene Ajluni
Mike Moon
October 18, 2017
Mr. Weiss...such an inspiration in my life. ...peace out...
Heidi Thornton (Patterson)
October 18, 2017
Simon & Hannah, I was a freshman the first year your dad started teaching and I used to babysit you when you were little.
The first time I met Weiss, he drew a da Vinci-like perfect circle on the chalkboard, marked the top and bottom of the circle and explained that life has a balance; as high as you can go is as low as you can go.
Throughout the next 4 years, he taught me how to think differently and methodically. He taught me how to view subjective matter through objective criteria. He laid a foundation of thinking in my mind that encompasses common sense, science and art. Although I am not an artist, "The 6 Steps of Design" as he presented it, is still how I approach problems today.
Dan Weiss is and always will be one of the most influential people in my life.
I am so sad and so sorry.
Kyle Horstman
October 18, 2017
Loved him as an art teacher and as person. Really tried to make you think out of the box!
Chris Timmerman
October 18, 2017
Mr. Weiss was an incredible teacher. His art classes didnt just teach us photography, pottery, and painting. He taught his students critical thinking, questioning, how to live up to high expectations, forgiveness, and kindness. When my father died, Weiss let me design my own class as a way to cope. Little did either of us know (he later said he had a hint), planning classes would be my life.
Mr. Weiss, thank you.
Margie Valentine
October 18, 2017
He was an amazing man and artist, each day I enter his classroom we would start joking and poking fun at each other as I work on assignments. His stories were amazing and as I sit here typing this, I can recall almost all of his stories.
He was a fatherly figure to me during a dark time and I shall miss him greatly.
Nathan Benn
October 18, 2017
He was truly too good for this Earth. What a loss...
Sue Runyan
October 18, 2017
Dan was on of my favorite teachers to work with! His caring and compassion he showed to my student, was beyond words! Thanks for caring! Rest is peace friend, until we meet again!
Maddie Adkins
October 18, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Mr. Weiss led, inspired, and sparked many lights in so many young people. We will love you and miss you always.
October 18, 2017
Love and peace to an inspirational teacher, an amazing artist, and a beautiful human being.
October 18, 2017
Sending love and peace to an inspirational teacher, an amazing artist, and a beautiful human being.
Mike Farrell
October 17, 2017
Thank you for everything. You were such a wonderful person. Travel well.
Cecily Beard
October 17, 2017
He was admired and treasured by so many of his students, who continue to mention his impact, even decades later. His focus on what is important in life, eschewing educational film-flam, guided his relationships with colleagues and students. He lived life by example, and I, as a fellow teacher, valued his integrity and his friendship. He touched so many lives; he made the world a better place.
Douglas McQueen
October 17, 2017
I met him a total of 3 to 4 times in the late '90's, and his concepts and words still resonate in my mind. The staying power of his presence is evident. His energy & passion will be missed...
Jessica Weinreich (Dawson)
October 17, 2017
I learned so much more than art from him, and his smile lit up the room. His encouragement is one of the reasons I became a teacher.
Nick Notis
October 17, 2017
He was the very best of humanity, and will continue to inspire those lucky enough to have known him for the rest of our lives.
Larry Strickler
October 17, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dan. Our thought and prayers are with you and family.
Larry and Carolyn Strickler
Jerry & Cindy Barker
October 17, 2017
We give our deepest sympathy to all the weiss family. He will deeply be missed by all
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