Daniel Frank Cleary, Kansas City, MO  (1944 - 2013)

December 9, 1944 - February 26, 2013
Daniel Frank Cleary, 68, of Kansas City, MO, passed away unexpectedly on Feb 26, 2013. Dan was born on Dec 9, 1944, in Atkinson, NE, to W. Alexander Cleary and Eleanor Marie Mlinar. In 1958, the family moved to Elgin, NE, where Dan graduated from St Boniface High School in 1963. That Fall he moved to Kansas City, and lived with his brother, Frank, and his family. He attended one semester of school at Rockhurst University. In 1965, Frank helped him get a job at the General Motors Leeds plant in Kansas City. On June 5, 1971, Dan married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Wayman, and they resided in Independence, MO, for the next 17 years. In 1987, GM shut down the Leeds car plant. In 1988, Dan was transferred to the GM assembly plant in Janesville, WI. He worked in Janesville, until his retirement in 2000. He had devoted 35 years of hard work to his career with GM. He greatly enjoyed his years in Janesville, but felt drawn back to Kansas City. Dan and Barb returned to KC, in April of 2001.They enjoyed re-uniting with old friends. They also traveled to national parks and made frequent trips to see relatives.
Dan was a loving and caring husband, father, friend, and neighbor. He found joy in everyday life. He was an avid do-it-yourselfer who had intelligence and common sense and enjoyed doing carpentry and electrical projects. He was always happy to lend a helping hand and considered it a privilege to be able to do so. We were all blessed to have him in our lives and his spirit and memory will enrich our hearts forevermore.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Ella; and by his brothers, Bill Cleary and Frank Cleary. He is survived by his wife, Barb; his children, Mike and Kim; his twin brother, Fr. Don Cleary; sister, Ruth (Jim) Hausmann; brother, Tom (Helen) Cleary; sisters-in-law, Ellen Cleary and Jeanne Cleary; 10 nieces and nephews; three great-nieces; and seven great-nephews.
Visitation will be at HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH at 919 NE 96th St, Kansas City, MO 64155, on Saturday, March 2, at 11 a.m. with funeral to follow at noon.
Arrangements: CREMATION SOCIETY OF KS & MO, 5561 NW Barry Rd., online condolences www.kccremation.com (816) 822-9888.