Daniel Wayne Bussey, 65, of Belle Plaine, Iowa, passed away on July 31, 2026, at the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, Iowa, following a battle with cancer.

Dan was born at Marengo Memorial Hospital on May 25, 1961, to Durward Gene Bussey and Betty Lou Myers. He graduated from Belle Plaine High School with the Class of 1979. Dan spent most of his career at Midwest Wheel in Cedar Rapids, where he worked in parts sales.

The outdoors was where Dan truly felt at home. He took great pride in his shop, which was more than just a place to work. It was where his children grew up spending time with him creating many memories. He spent countless hours in his boat walleye fishing. He enjoyed countless trips to Lake Rathbun, but his favorite place was on the Iowa River. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, turkey hunting, and most of all, deer hunting with his son, whether it was bow season or first season shotgun.

Dan was a true old-school biker, riding his Harley-Davidson wherever the road would take him, including many memorable trips to Sturgis. He also enjoyed playing pool, a hobby he began at a young age. He was especially proud when he finally got his own pool table, always inviting friends and family to play.

Dan was a free spirit who lived life on his own terms. He found joy in the simple things and never took life’s smallest blessings for granted. He had a special gift for lifting others’ spirits, whether by sending a random photo, song, or simply reminding someone to “smile.”

Never one to shy away from hard work, Dan lived with determination, independence, and a generous spirit. He was a proud member of the Belle Plaine Masonic Lodge. His adventurous spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Dan is survived by his children, Garrett (Kasey) Landuyt of Belle Plaine, Mallory (Josh) Francis of Urbandale, and Jessica (Thomas) Kacena of Melbourne; his grandchildren, Emery Francis and River Kacena; his siblings, Merlin Ealy, Patricia Nieland, Theresa Axler, and Barb Griffith; and many loving friends whom Dan considered family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle, Dean Bussey.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at Faith In Christ Church, Belle Plaine with visitation one hour prior to the service. A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.