Daniel Stariwat

John Daniel Stariwat, II, “Dan/Danny” began his rest in the Lord on March 1, 2018.  He was born on October 15, 1960 to John and Marian (Handke) Stariwat in Lewistown, MT.  Dan’s father was in the Air Force so Dan spent his youth living in different locations in the United States and overseas.  A devout Lutheran, he was proud of being confirmed in the Church of the Reformation (Luther’s Church) in Worms, Germany and dreamed of returning to Germany some day and touring the sites associated with Martin Luther.

Dan graduated from Oak Park High School in Gladstone, MO in 1978.  He went on to graduate from Columbia College with a degree in business.  While in Columbia he met and married April Nelson, his wife of 33 years.  They were blessed with two children, Timothy Alexander and Katarina Marie.  The family eventually settled in Eldon, MO, where Dan first took a job with the Boy Scouts of America and then worked for many years as the sporting goods manager at the Eldon Wal-Mart.  Dan retired from the Missouri Department of Revenue in 2014.

Even as Dan’s health declined, he found purpose in serving as an Elder at Bethany Lutheran Church, singing in the choir, playing the hand chimes, and also attending the Monday men’s breakfasts.  He also was a charter member and volunteer at Fresh Start Animal Outreach in Eldon.

Dan was a kind, loving and gentle soul.  All who knew him knew they could count on a kind word or teasing remark.  Dan would also not want anyone to grieve for him.  He would want all to know of his happiness and joy to be reunited with the risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dan is survived by his wife, April, son Timothy and wife Tamara, daughter Katarina, grandchildren Brielle Alexandria and Liam Pierce Stariwat.  Also surviving him are his parents, John and Marian Stariwat, brother Rick Stariwat and wife Denise, and sister Yvonne VanDuser and husband John.  Dan also leaves behind four nephews and two nieces as well as his extended family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, March 5, 2018 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Bethany Lutheran Church of Eldon, MO with a Celebration of Life beginning at 2:00 PM with Pastor Peter Lange officiating.  Interment will be private for the family.  Memorials in his name are suggested to Bethany Lutheran Church or Fresh Start Animal Outreach of Eldon, MO.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.            

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