Daniel J. Bahl, 84 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa passed away at 5:20 am Wednesday May 26, 2010 at his home surrounded by his beloved wife and family. He was born June 12, 1925 at Dubuque, Iowa, a son of Clarence J. and Ida (Erlich) Bahl. On September 1, 1947, he married Ruby J. Nebel at the Church of the Nativity at Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from the Loras Military Academy and attended the Bayless Business College, Dubuque, Iowa. He worked as a field engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring after 33 years of service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Family Parish, Ss. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Madison. He served on the St. Joseph Catholic Church parish council for a number of years. He loved the outdoors and took pride in his flower gardens at the St. Joseph Church and Rectory. He co-established the first Hunter Safety Course in Fort Madison. Dan enjoyed airplanes and earned his pilot's license on his 50th birthday. One of his favorite past times was enjoying the Old Settlers Park. He was considered by his family to be the consummate gentleman farmer. His faith and family were at the center of his life and he will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby J. Bahl, of Fort Madison, Iowa; five daughters: Patricia (husband Jim) Dalton, of Bettendorf, Iowa; Jane (husband John) Mravinac, of Bettendorf, Iowa; Judy (husband Dr. Johann) Van Beest, of Arlington, Texas; Mary Ann (husband Duane) White, of Coal Valley, Illinois; and Ann Marie Williams, of Allen, Texas; three sons: Randy A. Bahl, of Arlington, Texas; Daniel G. (wife Robin) Bahl, of Fort Madison, Iowa; and Tom M. Bahl, of Fort Madison, Iowa; one brother, Phillip (wife Bess) Bahl, of Dubuque, Iowa; three sisters: Dorothy Camfield, of Monona, Wisconsin; Margery Temple, of Madison, Wisconsin;
Mary Ann (husband John) Hansen, of Dubuque, Iowa; 16 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: Gregory Bahl, three brothers, two nephews, two brothers-in-law and one infant grandson.

Family will greet friends from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday May 28, 2010 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa. A Christian Wake Service will be conducted at 7:00 PM at the funeral home during visitation. Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday May 29, 2010 at Holy Family Parish, Ss. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Madison, with Reverend Mark Spring and Monsignor John Hyland to concelebrate. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Old Settlers Park Association, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel or at church on the day of the service.