Surrounded by his loving family, Dana G. Dixon, 70, of Orlando, FL, peacefully passed from this life to join his heavenly family. He faced his cancer journey with bravery, determination, and his familiar sense of humor.

Dana was born on August 27, 1955, to Gail Mason Dixon and Avis (Anderson) Dixon in Fort Dodge, IA. He grew up in Humboldt, IA, and went on to graduate from Iowa State University. Dana married Sandra Hafenstein on New Year’s Day 1999, and together they built a wonderfully blended family of yours, mine, ours, and more than 20 foster children.

For more than 40 years, Dana was active in his church, serving as worship assistant, church council president, vice president, and treasurer. He also taught Sunday school and participated in Men’s Ministry.

Dana had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children. He built Harvestore silos throughout Iowa before moving into project management at Rockwell International in Cedar Rapids, IA. After relocating to Florida, he worked for Harris Corporation on the Space Coast and later co-owned GeneSys Corporation. In 1999, Dana left the suit-and-tie world of project management to start Orbis Auto Transport, where he discovered a love for truck driving. As he put it, “Best. Job. Ever.” In retirement, he returned to his love of woodworking, creating furniture and special gifts for his family. When he needed help figuring out how to build or repair something, he often turned to YouTube, saying you could learn how to make or fix almost anything there.

Dana is survived by his wife, Sandi, of Orlando; his children, Michelle (Keith) Odom of Centerton, AR, and Molly, Noah, and Sam Dixon of Orlando; his grandsons, Tyler and Brayden Odom; his sisters, Marlys (Don) Nolan of Okoboji, IA, and Leanne Nickell of Cedar Rapids, IA; his brothers-in-law, Dennis (Donna) Hafenstein of Beaver Dam, WI, and Dave Hafenstein of Waupun, WI; his sisters-in-law, Sue Baker of Waupun, WI, and Deb (Randy) Voigt of Beaver Dam, WI; and his Aunt Mary Wooten of Ft. Dodge, IA. Dana is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Dana was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Gordon and Ann Hafenstein; his daughters, Monica and Alicia Dixon; his sister, Rhonda Dixon; his brother-in-law, Ken Baker; and his nephew, Matt Voigt.

Dana is finally at rest. He fought the good fight, and God gave him a new assignment—one with a wonderful sign-on bonus: a long-awaited reunion with family and friends he had not seen in a very long time. We were blessed beyond measure to have Dana in our lives.

A celebration of Dana’s life will be held this summer at Grace Pointe Church in Apopka, FL. A second service will take place in Iowa this fall.  The family is being served by Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society, Orlando.