Daniel “Dan” K. Twombly - 57
3/17/1953 - 7/9/2010

Rochelle, IL - Daniel “Dan” K. Twombly age 57 of Rochelle, IL died on Friday July 9, 2010 in Fort Morgan, CO. Born on March 17, 1953 in Rockford, IL, he was the son of Henry “Hank” and Sonja (Johnson) Twombly.

Dan devoted his life to working with children with special needs; from his teenage years when he helped at Hopkins Park with their summer programs, throughout his career as a special education teacher in Illinois and Yakima, Washington, to his later years where he assisted at DeKalb High School.

His time spent with these kids did not finish at the end of the school day. He was known for taking his students on after school outings including to the museum, circus, concerts, camping, and even a cross country trip. Two of these special students (Danny and Andy Hedberg) have made a huge impact in Dan’s life which also grew into friendships with Dan’s entire family.

Dan was a long time member of Marilyn’s Majorettes Drum Line and an avid Drum Corp enthusiast. He was a member of the former Chicago Vanguards and was a volunteer with the Santa Clara Vanguard in California and the Phantom Regiment in Rockford.

He loved the arts and was himself an artist creating numerous paintings, sketches, pottery, jewelry, and photographic art which he generously gave away as gifts to family and friends. He enjoyed backpacking, camping, and hiking whenever time allowed. He had a deep appreciation for music and history and was considered an expert in these areas.

His final journey was to be a three week motorbike trip out West tracking our Native American History. He was to finish his trip in Washington State visiting family and friends along the way. Unfortunately, his trip was cut short so his family would like to finish his trip for him spreading his ashes over the Western land and mountainside that he so loved.

Dan graduated from DeKalb High School in the class of 1971, and then he received to degrees from Northern Illinois University in Special Education and Arts.

Survivors include: parents Henry “Hank” and Sonja of Rochelle, brother: Gregory (Sheryl) of Wenatchee, WA, sister: Tamara (John) Bloom of Rockford, brother: Richard (Melisa) Twombly of DeKalb, nieces and nephews: David Twombly, Caryn Twombly, Joanna (Andy) Wiser, Rhya (Matt) Miller, Rachel (fiancé John Lancaster) Bloom, Corey Twombly, Bret Twombly, great nieces and nephews: Lindy, Theo Miller, Troy Lancaster, and Henry Wiser.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday July 24, 2010 at 4:00 pm in the Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Saturday July 24, 2010 at 2:00 pm till the time of the service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date. To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements are pending at: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815)758-3841.

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