Daniel Lee Sleep was born on October 26, 1959 in Omaha, Nebraska, being the oldest of five children of Eldon and Barbara (Young) Sleep. He lived in Omaha until the age of 5 when the family moved to a farm southwest of Bedford in Taylor county, Iowa where Dan grew to maturity and remained most of his life. Dan attended Bedford Community Schools and regretted not graduating. In 1993, Dan obtained his GED, something he was very proud of. 



Dan was a ‘Jack of all trades’ and a very hard worker. He did various jobs in construction, (laying Taylor County rural water lines and helping construct the new addition to the Bedford School) two of the projects he was most proud to be a part of. He also roofed, farmed, and was more than willing to help others no matter what the job was. Most recently he was employed by Hawn’s Sanitation. He often commented how he loved the people and children that greeted him every week and how it made him feel good to go the extra mile for people in need. 



Dan was an avid wrestling and football fan. If he was around a TV that is what everyone was watching. He also liked action movies, but once in a while, he would ‘give in’ and watch “mushy” stuff, just to keep the family quiet! 



His greatest pleasure and where he spent most of his time was being outdoors and in nature. He was known to encourage everyone around him to ‘enjoy the beauty’. Whether it was hunting, trapping, fishing or rock hunting, Dan enjoyed it all. He was overflowing with pride and his most precious treasures were his children and grandchildren. He loved them with much passion; always trying to teach them right from wrong and always making sure to tell them he loved them often. 



Another strong passion of Dan’s was his goats. He and his faithful dog “Annie”, an Australian Shepard, tended his goat herd for over eight years together. Dan got much pleasure from raising them, taking care of them, watching them, and talking about them. He was very proud of his goats. 



Dan loved being around people, never knowing a stranger. He especially enjoyed drinking coffee at the local shops, bullshitting and making deals. He would always grin from ear to ear after he was able to “pull one over” on unsuspecting individuals, especially those who knew him best. Dan enjoyed hearing stories as well as telling them. Dan was a giver, always giving special “treasures” that he had collected to his family and friends. When Dan was around…there was never a dull moment! 

Left to cherish Dan’s memory are his mother, Barbara Benson and husband Red of Corning; the love of his life, Sonia Sleep Nicholson of Bedford; seven children, Andrea Dawn Sheley of College Springs; Nathanael Lee Sleep of Clarinda; Cody Dale Sleep of Bedford; Brandi Dalene Nicholson of Bedford; Lindsey Jo Nicholson of Maryville; Lacy Marie Nicholson of Bedford; and Holly Lynn Nicholson of Bedford. Eight grandchildren, Ethan, Terrence, Tori, Selena, Marcus Jr., Brayden, Aikley, and Quentin. Two sisters, Tammy Sleep and family of Grimes; and Kristie Arms and husband Jack and family of Creston; two brothers, Jerry Sleep and wife Lori and family of Gravity; and Scott Sleep and wife Miranda and family of Corning; along with his most faithful dog Annie and many other relatives and friends. 



Preceding Dan in death was his father Eldon Sleep in 2002; grandparents Vera and Dale Sleep and Byron and LaDean Young; and his long-time mentor, Boyd Novinger. 



Dan will be missed by his entire family. 



The memories that he made throughout the years 

will remain in our hearts forever.