Richard Daniel (Dan) Anstey, 74, of Cumberland, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Adair County Health System in Greenfield, Iowa. Dan was born in Massena, Iowa on June 1, 1947, to C. R. (Dick) and Alice Mary (Sunberg) Anstey.
He grew up in Cass County, Iowa attending Cumberland-Massena High School where he was active in vocal and wrestling, graduating in 1965. Following graduation, he used his vocal talents to sing in a local band called the Country Moonlighters, served in the Iowa National Guard and worked at Schuler Manufacturing as a welder. It was here which began his interest in welding. He then became a farmhand for Bill Wohlenhaus near Cumberland which led to him farming and raising livestock of his own however Dan never forgot his love for building and repairing. During the farm crisis of the 1980’s Dan looked to expand on his mechanical abilities by repairing neighbor’s farm equipment. This is when Dan found his true-life love and passion in welding. In 1983, he opened Dan’s Welding Service in a small shop in Cumberland, Iowa where his slogan was “never say can’t”. During the nearly 40 years at his shop, Dan perfected the art of throwing hammers and using swear words for nearly every word in a sentence. Anyone that knew him not only appreciated his creative use of the English language but also his reputation as the “man who could fix anything”.
On December 30, 1967, Dan married Marla Schuler to which six children were born. On February 26, 1994, Dan married Mary Beth Leigan where they lived in Cumberland with her two sons. He was active in his community participating in the Cumberland Community Club, Lion’s Club and St. Timothy’s Catholic Church. Dan took great pride in his community and spearheaded numerous beautification and betterment projects. He was always willing to help those in need. Dan had an eye for the colors of the rainbow. The rainbow was Dan’s symbol for hope. This is why the rainbow was incorporated into the Dan’s Welding logo, as seen on his hat.
He was preceded in death by, his parents; and brothers, Kevin and Tim Anstey; his in-laws, Robet and Noreen Leigan; and sisters-in-laws, Charlotte Thorson and Vera Anstey. Dan is survived by, his wife, Mary Anstey of Cumberland, his sons, Rich (Ann) Anstey and Cory (Amy) Anstey both of Cumberland, Wesley (Christina Simonton) Anstey of Massena; daughters, Julie (Aaron Meyer) Anstey and Jill Anstey both of Atlantic, and Jennifer Anstey of Anita; Step-sons, Shane (Anita) Crees and Jason Crees all of Smithfield, MO; Fourteen grandchildren and one great grandchild; his former wife, Marla Anstey of Cumberland; brothers, Phil Anstey of Corning, IA, Dennis Anstey of Ottumwa, IA, Bob Anstey of Cumberland and Dean Anstey of Omaha, NE; sisters, Barbara Hoerner of Mesa, AZ and Mary Kay Barnes of Bellevue, NE; also his very special companion, his dog, MAX.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, January 10, 2022, at St. Timothy’s-Reno Catholic Church near Cumberland, Iowa. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. A Rosary service will be held at 5 pm, Sunday, January 9, 2022, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa with a visitation with the family following until 7 pm. Memorials can be made to the Cumberland Public Library in his name and can be left or mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home at P.O. Box 523 – Atlantic, Iowa 50022. The staff at Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic is caring for the Anstey Family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfh.com
