Daniel Edward West

Daniel "Dan" Edward West, 75, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on August 26, 2026, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. He was born on May 14, 1951, in Des Moines and made his home there throughout his life.

Dan was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. His passion began in his late teens when he built his very first motorcycle, and from that moment on, motorcycles remained an important part of his life. He enjoyed working with his hands and had an appreciation for the freedom and adventure that came with riding.

On August 18, 1990, Dan married Karen Jo West, the love of his life. Karen was truly his everything, and the life they shared together meant more to him than anything else. Her passing on January 23, 2026, left an immeasurable absence in his life.

Dan was known as a gentle soul who never had a bad thing to say about anyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was also a devoted animal lover. Dan and Karen raised wolf hybrids for more than 30 years and later shared their home with a Golden Retriever and cats. His kindness extended not only to the people in his life but to the animals he loved so dearly.

Dan shared a special bond with his stepson, Jon Cloud, who felt he was "the best Father Figure you could ever want."

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karen, and his parents, James and Katherine West.

Dan will be remembered as a loving husband, a wonderful father figure, a devoted animal lover, a motorcycle enthusiast, and, above all, a genuinely kind man who would help anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

After a lifetime of love and devotion, there is comfort in imagining Dan and Karen together once again-forever together.