Dan J. McGuire, 82, of North Platte, passed away following a brief illness, October 15, 2014, lovingly surrounded by his family.
He was born on October 24, 1931 in Forest City, IA to H. Lester and Lucile (Burson) McGuire. He attended country school near Fulda, MN and graduated from Worthington High School and Worthington Junior College. He enlisted in the Army and proudly served in Europe between 1953 and 1956. He returned to become a heavy equipment operator on highway construction until re-entering college at Mankato State College. While earning his BA Degree in history and education, he met his future wife, Cynthia "Tia" Little. They were married September 3, 1960 and Dan graduated in the Spring of 1961. He accepted his one and only teaching job in North Platte. On his first full day of classes, his daughter Lisa was born and daughter Annette was born 18 months later. Dan continued to teach US History at North Platte High School for the next 32 years. He became such a NPHS booster that one class gave him a mascot named "Mr. Bulldog". On game days, he even went so far as to color one shoe Blue and the other Gold, painting "N" and "P" on the toe of each. Dan's enthusiasm for teaching led him to collaborate with friend and colleague, Dick Warneke, to make history come alive by "Team Teaching" and thus introduced a new teaching style to NPHS. They made history come alive when they created simulated war games, having students role play political and military figures to re-enact key events for WWI and WWII. By taking the roles of significant leaders, they not only had a deeper understanding of history, but a greater appreciation of current events and the importance of voting. However, Dan went searching for more challenges. When a student suggested that he "practice what he preached," he found himself running for and getting elected to the Nebraska State Education Assoc. Board of Directors for the Tri-Valley District. Over the years he was involved in many levels of leadership involving the status of the teaching profession, finally serving on the NSEA State Board of Directors, for several years. He was bitten by the political bug and encouraged by students and friends to run for the North Platte City Council in 1980. He was elected to represent North Platte's Ward 3 for the next 32 years. Dan gave the full measure of his life to public service, for along the way, he was appointed to numerous civic boards. He was also active at St. Patrick's Church, serving as Lector, Greeter and helping to establish the parish History Room. Dan and Tia are lifetime members of the Lincoln County Museum. Dan also actively served on the Cody Scout Award Committee, often nominating individuals who selflessly gave of their time to volunteer projects. He enjoyed being a liaison to the Golden Spike Board, Retired Senior Volunteer Program Board, the Library Board and a committee member of Community Connections, the Tobacco Coalition and the North Platte Task Force that seeks to better the quality of life in North Platte. In full retirement, Dan enjoyed working on family genealogy and worked tirelessly to get recognition for worthy volunteers through the Cody Scout Award, the North Platte Public Schools Foundation Alumni of the Year Award and even the Nebraska State High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; his brother Thomas M. McGuire; and sister Rosemary McGuire.
Mourning his loss are his devoted wife Tia of North Platte; loving daughters Lisa and Annette; brother Brian (Laura) of Windom, MN; nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Jonathan Little of Winchester, VA; sister-in-law Pamela Ruths of Faribault, MN; many cousins; beloved friends; "adopted grandsons," Shaun Baker and Ryan Griffin; and special cat Macy.
The family requests no flowers, they prefer that memorials be directed to St. Patrick's Church, the Glaucoma Foundation or Doctors Without Borders. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Service will be 6:00 p.m. Friday October 17, 2014 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday October 18, 2014 also at St. Pat's with Reverend James Golka as Celebrant. Burial will be Monday October 20, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday October 17, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.