Daniel "Dan" McInroy

Dr. Daniel Murney McInroy, 73, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, at the Willows Care Center in Marshalltown, Iowa, six days after celebrating his birthday. He was under the compassionate care of hospice at the time of his passing.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Reception will be 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. following the service at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown. Memorials may be directed to the House of Compassion in Marshalltown. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Homes of Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Dan was born on May 8, 1952, in Kankakee, Illinois, to Elmer Eastwood "Mac" McInroy and Freida Mae (McLaren) McInroy. In 1957, he moved with his parents, sister Elisa, and brother Drew to Marshalltown, where he would grow up and eventually build his life.
Dan's early years were filled with music, golf, and work. He caddied for $0.25 a round at Elmwood Country Club, participated in both band and orchestra, and held a job at Ewer's shoe store in downtown Marshalltown. While attending Miller Middle School, he met the love of his life, Carroll Ann Zimbelman. A few years later, he invited her to their sophomore homecoming dance at Marshalltown High School-the beginning of a lifelong partnership.
A talented musician, Dan played upright bass in the orchestra and bass drum in the MHS marching band, which performed in the 1970 Rose Bowl and its celebrated parade. He also played drums in a local rock band, "The Conspiracy," with Carroll cheering them on as a devoted groupie.
Dan had a curious and scientific mind. During high school, he was an avid science fair participant. His notable project, Evaluation of Eisenia Foetida (earthworm) as Food for Men and Domestic Animals, earned him a top-six finish at the University of Iowa Science and Humanities Symposium in 1970. Dan discovered that deep frying the earthworms was his preferred method of consumption, quoted as saying, "they tasted amazingly like these pork rind snack puffs." This earned him a spot in the national science fair competition at the University of Tennessee, as well as an invitation to appear on six episodes of a nationally syndicated CBS New York City radio program hosted by Arthur Godfrey.
Both Dan and Carroll graduated from MHS in 1970 and continued their studies at the University of Iowa. Dan joined the Delta Chi fraternity and, after outstanding academic performance and research in maxillofacial surgery, was granted early admission to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Carroll earned her degree in English Literature, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. The two were married in 1972 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Marshalltown.
After completing dental school, Dan joined the United States Air Force, serving for two years as a dentist at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. While there, he earned his private, recreational, instrument, and commercial pilot licenses. It was during this time that he and Carroll welcomed their son, Ian Eastwood.
Upon completing his military service, Dan returned to Iowa and began practicing dentistry in Newton. The family soon moved back to Marshalltown, where Dan joined Plaza Family Dental Center. There, he formed a lifelong professional partnership and friendship with Dr. Dave Hall, and the two practiced side-by-side for 35 years. In 1980, Dan and Carroll welcomed their daughter, Emily Carroll.
Dan was a dedicated and compassionate dentist who took pride in caring for his patients- often spanning five generations of families. Committed to excellence, he pursued continuing education throughout his career to bring the highest standard of care to the Marshalltown community.
A devoted family man, Dan cultivated hobbies that enriched his time with loved ones and friends. He especially enjoyed golf, taking annual lessons at Elmwood Country Club, as well as pheasant hunting, fishing, cooking, and playing Bridge and 500. Perhaps his greatest joy came from time spent at his beloved quarry pond, where he camped, fished, and enjoyed the outdoors year-round. He lived generously, with a deep love for his family and others-and, as we recently learned, he was 91% Scottish.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Carroll; his son Ian (Stuart McGregor) McInroy; his daughter Emily (Brent) Brandmayr; grandsons Ridley and Ross Brandmayr; honorary daughter Nahoko Mishima; sister Elisa (James) Cartier; and brother Drew (Mary) McInroy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer "Mac" and Freida McInroy.
Dan will be remembered for his warmth, intellect, service, and deep devotion to family and community. He will be deeply missed.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Home Instead, The Willows of Marshalltown, and Suncrest Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.