Daniel McLaughlin Jr., 77, of Mason City and Clear Lake, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025,
surrounded by the love of his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at Epiphany Parish – St.
Joseph Catholic Church, 302 5th St SE, Mason City, with Rev. Ben Valentine as celebrant. Burial will follow
in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial
Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City, with a Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Daniel Martin McLaughlin Jr.was born February 1, 1948, in Mason City, the son of Daniel Sr. and Betty
(Englet) McLaughlin. He grew up in Mason City and graduated from Mason City High School in 1967. In
1968, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving his country honorably until receiving a medical
discharge.
Daniel’s father died when he was young, and he quickly stepped into the role of caring for his mother and
younger siblings. Those early responsibilities shaped the man he became—hardworking, resourceful, and
determined to make the most of what he had. He possessed a natural talent for tinkering, fixing, and
designing, and could figure out nearly anything. Daniel spoke his mind and lived honestly, but he loved with
his whole heart.
On June 27, 1973, Daniel married the love of his life, Wanda Jean Chizek, in Duncan. Together they raised
their daughters, Shawn and Shannon, and built a life grounded in love, faith, and shared devotion to family.
Daniel supported Wanda in every endeavor. He adored his daughters and took great pride in their
accomplishments. Becoming a grandpa—and later a great-grandpa—brought him enormous joy.
Daniel worked many years as a finishing roller operator with Heartland Asphalt. He took great pride in his
craft and earned numerous awards for his dedication and skill. He was a blue collar gentleman that
understood what it took to provide for his family. Though he had humble beginnings, he took great pride in
the man he had become.
He enjoyed the outdoors—especially fishing, hunting, and camping—and could often be found searching
antique stores for his next great find. He collected antique toys and Western memorabilia and, in recent
years, crafted handmade walking sticks with careful attention to detail to give to those who may need them.
Daniel believed in making moments count. Whether on family vacations, weekend adventures, or an
ordinary day at work, he tried to bring humor, joy, and meaningful memories to those around him. He faced
his struggles with honesty and found support, accountability, and a community committed to better living
from his family and friends. Each day, he chose his family first—and they loved him deeply for it.
He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, The Moose, and
Marriage Encounter, where he and Wanda helped support and strengthen other couples through faith and
community.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Shawn Lee (Roungaroun) Phaiboun of Clear Lake,
and Shannon Lynn Ruiz of Norwalk; his grandsons, Thai and Tucker Phaiboun, Franklyn (Shyla) Ruiz Jr.,
Anthony (Hannah) Ruiz, and Jack Hubby; his great-grandson, Charlie Ruiz; his sisters, Mary (Robert “Bob”)
Paulus, Vonnie McLaughlin, and Victoria Paulus; his brothers, Mike McLaughlin and Robert McLaughlin; and
his brother-in-law, Lyle Boehmer.
Daniel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda; his parents, Daniel McLaughlin Sr. and Betty
Schumacher; his brother, John (Dorene) McLaughlin; and his sister, Patricia (Lyle) Boehmer.
Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel. 126 3rd Street NE, Mason City, IA 50401. 641-423-2372.
ColonialChapels.com
