Daniel Vernon McLaughlin

Daniel Vernon McLaughlin, age 50, of Clear Lake and Belmond, passed away on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Opportunity Village of Clear Lake.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 AM on Friday, June 3, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Belmond, with Father Jerry Blake officiating. Burial took place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Belmond.

Danny, as he was known to friends and family, was the son of Judy (Gordon) and Vernon McLaughlin Jr. He was born on April 16, 1966 in Belmond and attended the Belmond school system until he turned 21. He lived at home with his parents until the age of 28, when he moved to Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, where he lived for 22 years. He loved it there. The staff always took great care of him. Danny loved country music, auto racing, the Dallas Cowboys, all-star wrestling and money. His favorite times were his birthday, Christmas, and when his best friends and cousin, Ron, would visit. His mom and dad would faithfully visit the village weekly, which usually meant a trip to Wendy's. His best buddy in life was his Dad. From the beginning to the end, his dad was by his side. Toward the end, Danny's memory began to fail him, yet he always knew when dad was there.

Left to cherish his memory are his father Vernon McLaughlin Jr. of Belmond; sisters Mindy (Gregg) Gunderson of Lake Park and Leslie (Scott) Weisbrook of Torrance, CA; nephew Connor Gunderson; nieces Macy Gunderson and Amber and Avery Weisbrook; and his aunts and uncles.

He is preceded in death by his mother Judy and his grandparents.