Dan Werner
Degree: Fourth
Member since: 1999
Hometown: Manchester, Iowa
Dan was raised in Manchester, Iowa. It’s in the heart of the Archdiocese of Dubuque and is located in a Catholic part of the state.
After high school, Dan continued his education at Iowa State University where he majored in marketing. Upon completing his degree, he moved to Des Moines and has lived in the area ever since. Dan worked for Principal and Athene before retiring in December of 2018.
Dan was part of a special group of men who started our council.
“It was very exciting to be a charter member of the St. Francis Council,” Dan says. “There was great enthusiasm and we had many things to learn, but we had a lot of fun at that time, too.”
The council had about 70 members when it was chartered at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in 1999. Dan recalls there were approximately 55 men who went through the initial first degree ceremony.
Family life
Dan has been married to his wife, Carol, for more than 37 years. They raised two sons, Brian and Brett, who are now both married and are Knights at their parishes. Dan and Carol have been blessed with two granddaughters who live in Ankeny.
Although Dan grew up in a devout Catholic family, neither of his grandfathers nor his father were members of the Knights. “After I joined and eventually became a state officer, then my dad decided to join,” Dan says.
Activity involvement
You’ve likely seen Dan at one of many council activities. He volunteers his time to help the council and the parish in many ways.
“I enjoy participating in the council activities,” he says. “I think they are fun and they give us a great way to meet the other brother Knights, and also a great way to meet other people in the parish. I enjoy interacting with the Knights at council and parish activities.”
You may also have seen Dan leading the Knights of Columbus choir at St. Francis. He’s been the choir director since it was started. “It’s been fun to see it grow,” he says. “We started with five guys and at different times we have as many as 20, but usually around 10 to 12 participating.”
Saying Dan has been an active Knight is an understatement. He’s a regular volunteer at the parish fish fries, annual CPID campaign, Wreaths Across America, blood drives, Easter egg hunt, and parish breakfasts. Among the many roles that he’s served in the council, district, and state include:
Recorder
Treasurer
Deputy Grand Knight
Grand Knight (2004-2005)
Vocations Chairman
District Deputy
“Being a council officer has given me opportunities for my personal growth, in terms of learning how to communicate, how to organize activities, and how to motivate,” he says. “I really enjoyed my time as the Grand Knight of the Council.”
As far as advice for other Knights, Dan says “get as involved as you can and see what activities you like or don’t like. Don’t be afraid to try something and see if you like it. If you have a buddy, ask him to volunteer at an event like the CPID drive.”