Daniel Steven McGinnis passed away May 2, 2020, after battling cancer with unwavering determination. A visitation will be held 3-6 p.m., Wednesday, May 6 at the Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home at 4208 N. Ankeny Blvd. A private funeral service will be Thursday, May 7.
Dan was born Aug. 12, 1985, at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, to Tod Brubaker Jr. and Amy (McGinnis) Slaten.
He grew up primarily in Indiana, graduating from Paoli High School in 2004.
Dan enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school and graduated in the top of his class in AIT. With the Army, Dan spent time in Oklahoma and Germany, making many memories and friends along the way.
After six years of service in the U.S. Army, Dan moved to Iowa to attend college at Iowa State University, where he graduated with a degree in education.
While in Ames, he met his wife, Melissa (Hulme) McGinnis, in 2014. Dan and Melissa were married in November 2016. Most recently, Dan and Melissa lived in the Ankeny.
His hobbies included disc golf, bowling, movies, football, biking, kayaking, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
In 2019 Dan’s lifelong dream came true when his daughter, Isla, was born. Dan was an amazing father and wanted nothing more than to spoil Isla for years to come.
Dan was also a devoted math teacher and track coach at Perry Middle School. Dan had a passion for teaching and motivating students as well as collaborating with teachers and staff.
Dan was known for always helping others and his positive outlook on life. He also worked part-time in the area with children with special needs.
Dan is survived by his wife; daughter; parents; step-father, Billy Slaten; sisters, Amanda Dines and Emily Brubaker; brothers, Mark Slaten and John Slaten; grandfather, James McGinnis; nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; and a large group of friends he considered family.
