Chrystal, Daniel J.

Daniel J. Chrystal, 58, of Walker, died Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Center Point United Methodist Church, Center Point, by the Rev. Mike Ellson. The family will greet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point. Burial: Walker Cemetery, Walker.

Dan was born July 16, 1954, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Gordon and Ruth (Mithelman) Chrystal. He attended school at North-Linn Schools, graduating with the class of 1972. After graduation he attended Dubuque University in Dubuque, and then went into the carpentry business with his father. He owned and operated Dan's Construction, taking great pride in the work he did.

On Sept. 11, 1976, Dan was united in marriage to Janet M. Toyne in Cedar Rapids. Together they raised three sons, Chris, Adam and Ryan. He was very involved in the activities the boys participated in during high school and continued to support them as they grew into adults. He enjoyed spending time with his sons and camping with his wife and their friends.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; his sons, Chris (Joanna) of Louisville, Ky., Adam (Rachel) of Paloand Ryan of Minneapolis; three grandchildren, Austin of Coggon and Naomi and Abigail Chrystal of Louisville, Ky.; his mother, Ruth Chrystal; brothers, David (Iris) Chrystal of Centralia, Mo., and John (Janice) of Center Point; a sister, Patricia (Donald) Akers of Walker; his mother-in-law, Dorothy (Tom) Steiner; sister-in-law, Sandy (Joe) Camp; and brothers-in-law, David (Nancy) Toyne, Donald (Armel) Toyne, Michael (Carole) Toyne, Gary Toyne and Lyle Toyne; as well as many friends and his dog, Mooney.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Chrystal; his father-in-law, George Toyne; sister-in-law, Katherine Toyne; and nephew, David Chrystal Jr.

Dan was a founding member of the Walker Coffee Club and will be greatly missed by the other members at their morning sessions; a former Walker City Council member and a former member of the Walker Fire Department.

Dan was a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend. His greatest joys were watching his children and grandchildren grow and participate in life. He loved watching Naomi run in Cross Country and Abby at her ballet recitals.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chawla, Dr. Wongba, Dr. Nowell and the staff in St. Luke's CCU and ICU for the care Dan received from them during the last weeks of his life. A special thank you as well to all of the friends and family for the support that we received during this time.

Please sign the online guest book for Dan at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Nov. 29, 2012 in The Gazette