Daniel Joseph Brennan passed away July 21, 2026 at the Emmetsburg Care Center. Dan was born to Joe and Cecilia Brennan on April 7, 1961 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He attended the Rainbow School and was employed by Horizons Unlimited Can Redemption Center until his retirement. Dan excelled in his participation in the Special Olympics and enjoyed showing off his medals. He loved listening to music by Kenny Rogers, watching the Dallas TV series, family gatherings, and weddings (especially dancing with the bride), St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, chocolate shakes, and a cold Diet Pepsi! Dan lived at home until he was 27 years old, when he moved to Horizons 21st Street Group Home. He spent the next 37 years there, living alongside many close friends, before moving to Emmetsburg Care Center.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry Brennan, brother-in-law John Lillevik, and nephew Patrick Brennan. He is survived by sisters Loretta Murano (Frank), Judy Alger (Jim), Joanne Brennan, Colleen Lillevik (Dave), brothers Mick Brennan (Lynn), Dave Brennan (Patty), sister-in-law Dorothy Brennan, 16 nephews and nieces, numerous great nephews and nieces, and many other relatives and friends. We cannot thank enough those who worked and cared for Dan over his lifetime, including staff from the Rainbow School, Horizons 21st Street Group Home, Emmetsburg Care Center, and Palo Alto County Hospital and Hospice.
Visitation was Friday, July 24th from 5-7 p.m. at Martin-Mattice Funeral Home and the funeral mass was at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday July 25th at Holy Family Catholic Church.
The family requests that donations be directed to Horizons Unlimited Emmetsburg.
