Jan "JC" Cleve Dawald

Jan Cleve Dawald “JC”, a cherished member of our community, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2025, at the age of 85, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Estherville, Iowa, on April 9, 1940, to Edward and Annabelle Dawald.

JC graduated as class president in 1958. He pursued higher education at Colorado State and Florida State Universities, ultimately earning his degree from Mankato State in 1963. During a trip home from Florida, he met Sandra Lee Myers, the love of his life for 61 years. JC began his career in education as a junior high math and industrial arts teacher in Gas City, Indiana, and also served in the United States Coast Guard. In 1969, he and his family moved to Owatonna, MN, where he helped develop one of the first factory training positions for OTC (Owatonna Tool Company). He later taught vocational school in Faribault, MN, before taking over a State Farm franchise in Northwood, Iowa, in 1979. JC was deeply involved in his community, serving on his church council, as a Sunday school teacher, a volunteer fireman, participating in community improvement projects, the 4th of July fireworks committee, and missionary trips to Guatemala and Mexico.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, sons Chad Dawald (wife Gina) of Carrollton, TX, and Scott Dawald of Overland Park, KS, grandchildren Josh, Shelby, Graham, and Anna, great-granddaughter Sierra, and sister Karen Ellwood of Loveland, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law Kim Dawald, his brother Jarrett and his wife Faye.

JC's zest for life was unmatched, whether he was piloting his Cessna Cardinal, riding one of his motorcycles to Sturgis or the Arctic Circle, engaging in carpentry work for his community, showcasing his '46 Ford at car club events and The Hot Rod Power Tour, or restoring and riding his beloved Allis Chalmers tractors across Iowa. He approached everything with wholehearted dedication, and his servant's heart was always evident in his words and deeds.

A public visitation will be held at Hoff Celebrations - Sites Memorial Chapel in Northwood, Iowa on Thursday May 1, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Grafton, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor to Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Grafton, Peace Lutheran Church of Northwood or The Northwood Fire Department would be greatly appreciated.

As a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, JC asked for nothing but shaped everything. His faith and positivity shone brightly whenever anyone inquired about his well-being. "I'm beautiful!" he would reply. You’re beautiful now and forever in our hearts.

Hoff Celebrations – Sites Memorial Chapel of Northwood is assisting the family with arrangements.