Daniel "Dan" Barrett Obituary

Daniel Harley Barrett, of Charles City, Iowa died peacefully among family on July 30, 2025 from complications of Fronto-Temporal Degeneration (FTD). Funeral will be held Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Charles City at 1:00 PM with visitation prior from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM with reception and fellowship to follow from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Elks Lodge on Clark Street. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be sent to either of the following organizations: The Association for Fronto-Temporal Degeneration (AFTD) at 2700 Horizon Drive, Suite 120, King of Prussia, PA 19406 or online at http://www.theaftd.org memory of Daniel Harley Barrett or Charles City Family YMCA mail or drop check In Memory of Daniel Harley Barrett at YMCA 800 Hulin Street, Charles City, Iowa 50616. Daniel Harley Barrett was born on December 4, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa to Harley F. And Vyrlee J. (Nuchols) Barrett. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Sarah Goen Barrett. His children: Andrew Barrett (Shelane), Molly Barrett (Dan Gannon) and Shannon Barrett. Grandkids: Mac, Fiona and Harley Barrett, Declan, Cormac, Kade and Ruarc Gannon. Dan graduated from West Delaware High School in 1961, and from University of Iowa in 1965 with a BA in Civil Engineering. In 1964 Dan was married to Sarah Goen at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa. They had 3 children: Andrew (Chattanooga, TN), Molly Barrett (Saint Paul, MN), Shannon Barrett (Boston, MA). After graduation Dan worked for the Iowa DOT in Mason City, IA. They lived in Mason City, Marshalltown and back to Mason City before he was hired as City Engineer and Director of Public Works in Charles City. He held that position from 1974 until retirement in 2002. Dan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the CC Iowa Development Corporation for his commitment to economic development, leadership in enacting the Avenue of the Saints/Southwest Bypass (I35 from St. Paul to St Louis), engineered the initial SW Development Park, employed TIF for many progressive improvements and other actions which have had long term benefits to Charles City. Dan also lead the Boards of The Charles City YMCA, Lions Club, Prairie Ridge and the Board of Adjustments. Dan was an avid fisherman fishing several walleye tournaments with his dad, his brother and his son. Because he had two friends whose sons did not know the Art of fishing, he started a Carp Fishing Tournament on the Cedar River. The tournament grew city wide where it became so large Dan 'cut bait' to allow others to take the helm. It went on for several years and made a lot of fishermen out of the local population! Dan was also a life-long golfer and handball player. He was tough to beat and the war stories will continue to grow over the years for those who were 'lucky' enough to beat him.