Daniel Mabee's Obituary
With heavy hearts, we remember and honor the life of Dan Mabee, who passed away peacefully on the 16th of May, 2025. You could not spend a moment with Dan without coming away laughing and realizing this man was a true character. Dan had many interests and passions - and his commitment to them was easily recognized by all who knew him.
Dan had an innate ability to disarm people’s anxiety and discomfort with humor. Whether it was his infamous “Mabeeisms”, his quick witted understanding of what was transpiring in the moment, or his desire just to make people laugh; everyone who knew Dan knew if he was around it was going to be a good time.
Daniel DeLancey Mabee was born on February 2, 1940 in Dubuque, the son of Willard and Mabel (States) Mabee. He attended Clinton High School from 1955-1958. His interest in swimming resulted in multiple Iowa High School state titles, All-American honors, and even a try-out with the US Olympic Team. But coaching swimming is where Dan was his best. All the recognition he received for his coaching, including 10 Coach of the Year awards, pale in comparison to his ability to motivate and care about his athletes as people first and foremost.
While his interests in humor, swimming/coaching, sports, food, working out, playing the guitar, singing, t-shirts (“cloth” as he would refer to it), etc…were a big part of him…it was his passions for Jesus and family that really defined Dan.
Dan is someone whose life radiated a deep love for Jesus. His days began with prayer and Scripture, grounding him in faith and purpose. Through both joy and hardship, Dan held fast to his belief in His guidance and love, striving every day to embody His teachings in the way he treats others. All the way to the end of his battle with Alzheimer’s, he held strong to his faith. Singing hymns and providing grace to his nurses and doctors.
A beloved husband to Carol Mabee, their marriage was a true partnership filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Together they built a life full of cherished memories and deep companionship. They modeled commitment, devotion, and love for each other that those around them could benefit and learn from.
Dan was a devoted father to Kent, Greg, Lindsey, and Jenny. Having a dad like Dan was unlike any other father figure. They saw his passion for Jesus, his enduring commitment to teaching and coaching, and the importance of bringing humor to relationships. Dan’s “Mabeeisms” were life lessons that were sometimes worth an eye roll, but truly did lay the groundwork for success in work, relationships, and life. Dan and Carol were also foster parents to four boys from Vietnam.
Being a grandchild to Dan meant every experience was going to be fun and a little bit unpredictable. If “Grandpa Dan” was going, they were not going to miss it. Even if it was as simple as sitting on the back porch, something funny was going to happen and no one wanted to miss it.
Dan was also a much-loved brother to Judy and Jan — loyal, steady, and caring. Their bond was a lasting source of strength, laughter, and shared memories.
To know Dan Mabee was to know someone who could be so simple and so complex at the same time. He showed people that you can love Jesus and your family more than anything, but also be funny and free spirited, and still accomplish so much.
Dan is survived by his wife: Carol; their four children: Kent Mabee Greg (Monica) Mabee, Lindsey (John) Ricciardi, Jenny Mabee; 6 grandchildren Andrew (R’nana) Ricciardi, Jacob (Emma) Ricciardi, Madison Ricciardi, Carmen Mabee, Danny Mabee, and Kenny Mabee; 3 great-grandchildren: Yohevid, Emerson and Quinn; a sister: Judith Evans and a sister-in-law: Sandra Kay Larson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Jan Lechner.
A Memorial Service to honor Dan’s life will be 11:00am, Saturday, May 24, 2025 at Christ Episcopal Church. The family will greet friends from 10:00am to the service time at the church. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family.
Memorials can be made to Christ Episcopal Church or to the family for a scholarship being established in Coach Mabee’s name.
Forever loved, never forgotten. Rest peacefully, Dan.
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