Victor “Vic” Leo Daman

Victor “Vic” Leo Daman

Marion

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Victor “Vic” Leo Daman, age 77, of Marion, Iowa, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, Jan. 3rd, 2024, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. His death was sudden and unexpected, yet ultimately a consequence of his long-term illness. Vic fought the good fight and we were lucky to have four years with him following his diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia.

In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Vic’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, in the “Hickory Room” at Lowe Park Arts and Environmental Center, located at 4500 North 10th Street in Marion. A private family committal service will take place at a later date.

Vic was born on Nov. 3rd, 1946, in Waukon, Iowa, one of four children to Leo and Ruth (Cahalan) Daman. He was raised in Harpers Ferry, Iowa.

On Oct. 31, 1980, Vic married the love of his life, Laura Lynne Cech in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They were married for over 43 years and went on to raise their blended family of Vic’s three sons and their two daughters together. He never started a day without a ‘Good morning, Babe’ or a handwritten note wishing Laura a happy day and telling her he loved her.

Vic enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to the movies, watching old westerns, and visiting with family and friends. He was a classic car enthusiast, naming the make and model from a mile away. Vic was known as “Mr. Fix-It”, always willing to help those around him. To his children, he was a hero and the strongest guy in the world who also made the best pancakes. As Grandpa Vic, he was sweet and silly, making up games or entertaining his grandchildren with his best farm animal noises. Grandpa and Babi have delighted in their time babysitting their grandkids together, which often included trips to the park, reading books, and setting up ‘Grandpa’s playground’ in their yard.

After graduating from St. George High School in Lansing, Iowa in 1965, Vic moved to Cedar Rapids where he exhibited his strong work ethic from an early age. In 1966 he was drafted into the US Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was an esteemed Sergeant in the 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, Recon Platoon and earned a Purple Heart. Vic and his comrades have shared a bond throughout their lives that only service members can understand. This bond continues to be on display at Army reunions every two years. Vic last attended their 50th reunion with his family in 2017; a memory that was dear to him and all that attended. Vic worked most of his life at Cargill, retiring after 39 years.

Whether it was on a family trip or playing a game of Yahtzee, Vic was happy as long as he was with the people he loved. He was a fulfilled man who kept the important aspects of life in focus. He was strong but gentle, stubborn yet easygoing, and above all else, proud and caring. To know Vic was to love him. He will be missed each and every day, GD.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Daman, his dear children, Todd (Jamie) Daman, Emily Daman, and Carolyn (Marc) Gladson; his beautiful grandchildren, Brooks and Lucas Gladson, Noah and Sophia Daman, and Madilyn, Raelyn, and Katielynn Daman, and one great-granddaughter, Braelyn Smith; his sisters, Sharon Jessner, Virginia (Tom) Theis, and Ruth Ann (Jim) Thys, brother-in-law, Larry Harmon; long with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Vic was reunited in the afterlife with his sons Timothy Daman and Troy Daman, his parents Leo and Ruth Daman, his mother-in-law Allene Harmon, and brother-in-law Ron Jessner.

Laura would like to express her gratitude and appreciation to the UIHC medical staff, especially Dr. Margarida Silverman and her team.

Vic could talk to anyone and was known as an epic storyteller. For anyone planning on attending his Celebration of Life, we would love for you to share your memories of him with us.

In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that donations be made in Vic’s name to a favorite charity of the donor’s choice. Cards of condolences and messages of support to his widow and immediate family are welcome.

Please share a memory of Vic at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.