Deceased January 28, 2010

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In Memory

It is always a crushing blow to lose a human being. We in the Class of 1989 have now lost our fourth classmate and friend, Dan Deal. Daniel Lundby Deal, born May 28, 1967, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Max and Eva, died suddenly at Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, according to The Des Moines Register.

According to the Register, Dan grew up in West Des Moines and was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he was a member at the time of his death. Before attending Amherst, Dan excelled in academics and soccer. He was the student body president at Valley High School, from which he graduated with high honors in 1985.

Those who knew Dan would not be surprised that he graduated with honors from Amherst, after which he earned an M.B.A. at Tulane University in New Orleans and went back to settle among his family and friends in his hometown of Des Moines. Dan worked there as a mortgage processor at Wells Fargo Mortgage.

Just as he was at Amherst, Dan was an avid reader in his adult life. He also loved jazz music and was a state champion power lifter. He spent a lot of time cooking for family and friends and spending time with his two nephews, Max and George.

In addition to his much-adored nephews, Dan leaves his loving parents, four brothers and two sisters-in-law (James and Damon of Des Moines, John and Karen of New Orleans and Morgan and Tiffany of Clive), as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Dan had many friends at Amherst. His demeanor was strong, almost intimidating to those who didn’t know him well. Dan always left a memorable impression. Many of us will remember Dan as quiet and obviously contemplative. He will be missed.

Bruce Tulgan ’89