Daniel Shawn De Rycke

1963 - 2024

Daniel Shawn De Rycke, 60, of Victor, IA, passed away on March 8, 2024, at Compass Memorial Hospital, Marengo, IA. A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, Victor, IA with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 13, at Smith Funeral Home, Victor, IA, with a Rosary Service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Dan De Rycke Memorial Fund and mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 485, Victor, IA 50112. Dan was born on June 16, 1963, in Grinnell, IA, to Don and Alice Facile De Rycke. He was raised on a farm south of Belle Plaine and graduated from HLV High School, Class of 1981. Following high school, Dan embarked on a dual passion: farming the land and fostering friendships. He began farming and established his own seed company, De Rycke Crop Depot. Through his seed sales, he not only nurtured the land but also cultivated a network of cherished connections. Dan married the love of his life, Jill Fetter, in 1989 in Chelsea, IA. Together they raised their children, Erynn, Molly, Noah, and Rachel in Victor. Dan was a selfless and loving man, known for his genuine nature and his ability to strike up conversations with anyone. To his friends, he was known as a man of "too many" words who never met a stranger he didn't like. Making people smile brought him immense joy. Beyond work, Dan cherished spending quality time with family and friends. Their lake house at Lake Ponderosa became a haven of happiness, a place where memories were made and laughter echoed. He was especially delighted in his granddaughter, Aurora, and their time together brought him immense joy. Dan also treasured traveling with his wife, Jill, seizing every opportunity to explore new destinations and deepen their bond. Dan will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Dan is survived by his father, Don De Rycke; wife, Jill De Rycke; children Erynn, Molly, Noah, and Rachel De Rycke; granddaughter Aurora Jo; siblings Ann Schulz (Dan), Randy De Rycke (Kristi), brothers and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Alice De Rycke.