Dr. Daniel K. Piper

Dan Piper, 70, of Galesburg, passed away September 27, 2024 at his home, surrounded by family.

Dan was born in Peoria, IL to Nelda Piper on December 24, 1953, and lived his life giving to others as only befits a Christmas Eve arrival. He married his high school sweetheart, Jackie Lee, on August 16, 1974 in Washington, IL.

Dan is survived by Jackie, his wife of 50 years; their children Cammie (John) Meerdink of Mahomet, IL, Annie (Dylan) Welch of Mahomet, IL, Eric Piper of Mahomet, and Tim (Sara) Piper of Wheaton, IL; his grandchildren, Eva, Daniel, and Piper Meerdink; Eli, Henry, and Charlotte Welch; Jack, Wes, and Millie Piper; his brother, David Piper of East Peoria, IL.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nelda; two siblings, Doug and Debbie; and Nora, his granddaughter.

Dan grew up in Washington, Illinois and graduated from Washington High School in 1972. He then pursued his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University and married Jackie during his time there. He then entered medical school at the University of Illinois Chicago and graduated as a medical doctor in 1980. After completing his OB-GYN residency in Milwaukee, Dan and Jackie moved to Galesburg in 1984 where Dan joined Knox OB-GYN Ltd. Over the next 34 years, Dr. Piper delivered many, many babies and provided top-notch gynecological care. He was a Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and was a former Chief of Staff at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. These accomplishments were a testament to his ethics and professionalism.

Dan was a family man in every sense of the word. His four children spent their lives with a dad who would play anything they wanted, carved pumpkins to their exact design, and never seemed to run out of energy. He doted on his wife and enjoyed traveling with her to places across the globe. Dan’s grandchildren called him Papa, and there was no better lap in the house than his. He loved nothing more than to have his family gathered around him, whether it was a birthday party where he helped hang decorations or a trip to Disney World that found him pushing baby strollers across the park to beat the crowds. Dan loved packing as much fun as possible into every day, whether on annual family vacations or enjoying friends with Jackie. After retiring in 2018, Dan spent as much time helping his kids with their home projects as he could squeeze in. He also loved the outdoors. He could fish for hours and loved teaching his kids, their friends, his grandchildren, and anyone else willing to get in the boat, how to reel in the big one. He spent hours in nature and enjoyed the annual bow-hunting season. His work at the Meerdink farm netted him the perfectly groomed deer stand spots to get a buck every year.

Dan was a source of wisdom and support for his wife, children, and grandchildren, and could fix anything, even broken hearts. His wise words, his whole-hearted support, and his love for all things silly are a lasting legacy that will bring his loved ones comfort as they navigate life without him.

Cremation has been accorded. A remembrance gathering will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 pm on October 5, 2024 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg, IL with a short service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.watsonthomas.com.