Daniel Bird

Somers Daniel Bird 80, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home, Fort Dodge, following a month-long battle with cancer. Private Family Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Cedar Cemetery, near Rinard, with Rev. Dr. James H. Chesnutt officiating. A Celebration of Life will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at the Somers Community Center in Somers. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. Palmer Funeral Home, Gowrie is in charge of arrangements. Dan is survived by his wife Janet; his five children, Dan (Maureen) Bird of Kearney, NE, Mike (Mailyn) Bird of Wichita, KS, Todd (Jeri) Bird of Coalville, Brian (Tawnya) Bird of Woodward, and Jackie Leith of Somers; his dog Casey Jo; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joan McGuire of Somers, Colleen (Dan) Goodwin of Somers, and Sandy (Bob) Hicks of Gowrie; sister-in-law Joyce Erritt of Manson; and brother and sister-in-law, John and Carole Erritt of Somers. Dan will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, other relatives; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Shirley (Michael) Bird; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Virginia Erritt; son-in-law Kevin Leith; and brothers-in-law, Jim McGuire and Gordon "Gus" Erritt. Daniel Bird was born December 4, 1939 to Bernard and Loretta (Sharp) Bird at Fort Dodge, Iowa. On January 5, 1972, he was united in marriage to Janet Erritt at Elk Point, South Dakota. Dan and Janet were married for 48 years and made their home in the Somers Community. Dan grew up in Fort Dodge and was the co-owner of Richardson & Bird Concrete Construction until his retirement in 1999. Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, and telling the many stories that made people laugh. Dan enjoyed having local friends stop and drink coffee in the morning. SERVICES Private Family Graveside Services 10:00 a.m. - Wednesday June 17, 2020 Cedar Cemetery Rinard, Iowa OFFICIATING Rev. Dr. James H. Chesnutt VISITATION Celebration of Life 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Wednesday June 17, 2020 Somers Community Center Somers, Iowa