Danielle Renee Messick

Danielle Renee Messick, 36, of Gilman, died peacefully on October 25, 2024 with her beloved family by her side after a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, October 30, at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Danielle’s name (checks payable to Sonja Messick) to be used for her boy’s care may be left at the funeral home.

Danielle was born on June 16, 1988 to Christopher and Sonja (Westercamp) Messick in Grinnell.  She grew up in Newton and graduated from Newton Senior High School in 2006.  Danielle then entered the nursing program at Marshalltown Community College where she received her RN. Danielle had worked at many area hospitals through the years including, MercyOne Newton Medical Center, Unity Point Health – Grinnell Regional Medical Center, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, and Broadlawns Medical Center. Most recently she returned to her favorite, Grinnell, and was working as an RN in the Emergency Room.

Dani, as those that knew her called her, had the biggest smile, an infectious laugh, and was an avid reader. She was such a genuine caring person. Dani was a wonderful and caring mother and her two sons, Bryce and Lucas,  were her entire world. She was true care giver and touched so many lives.

Since her diagnosis in June 2023, she faced cancer with an unwavering determination, positivity and grace. She would not let leukemia define her and all were in awe of her strength. Dani was treated and cared for by the most dedicated and caring medical teams and staff at the John Stoddard Cancer Center. A special thank you to Dr. Dan Buroker, Dr. Tom Buroker, the nurses at Powell 3, and Cally and Brittany with Mission Cancer. She was more than just a patient to all of them; she was treated like family and she was loved. Through it all they laughed and cried together and Dani’s family is so grateful for the compassionate care and attention she received from everyone.

Danielle is survived by her young sons, Bryce and Lucas; parents, Christopher and Sonja Messick; partner, Chad Eckrich; sister, Melanie (Tim) Sweeney; brother, Justin (Veronica) Brown; paternal grandparents, Ken and Peggy Messick; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Danielle is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Keith and Judy Westercamp.

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