John Daniel was born March 7, 1925 in Davenport , the youngest of 3 children. John's father worked at Rock Island Millworks. His mother was a homemaker. After graduating from St. Ambrose Academy , John served with the Navy during WWII. He then went on to Iowa State College where he got degrees in both Aeronautical and Mechanical engineering. In 1950 he started work at IA-IL Gas and Electric Co. He was Vice-President of Operations when he retired in 1990. John passed away February 2, 1990 .

His wife, Rita the fourth of 8 siblings, was born February 2, 1931 in Bernard , IA. Rita's parents were both from farming families. Her father was one of 15 children and mother from a family of 7. Rita attended a one-room school for 8 years then went on to Immaculate Conception Academy in Dubuque . After high school she work for 3 years as a secretary for Archdiocese of Dubuque. She then enrolled at Marycrest College . She and John were married in 1955 when she graduated. She was a homemaker and mother of 6 children. Rita passed away December 29, 2001 .

Throughout his life John was very active in many local and regional Chamber's of Commerce. He also served on many Boards in the community. Rita supported the Catholic Service Board and their local charities. She also was a volunteer for Hospice. Her hobbies included sewing, golfing cooking and entertaining.

Although John and Rita's parents never had much in the line of financial resources, they gave their Catholic parishes priority. This influenced the Daniel's decision to contribute to Catholic charities with a special focus on education. The Community Foundation is pleased to work with the Daniel family to help them achieve their charitable dreams.