Daniel James "Jim" Egan

Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Friday, February 21, 2025 at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Aurora with Fr. David Forsman celebrating. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in the Biwabik Township Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. 

Daniel James “Jim” Egan, 96, of Bass Lake died Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Carefree Living in Aurora.

He was born on November 22, 1928 to Leo and Esther Lyons in Madison, WI. Jim graduated from East High School in Madison, WI, Class of 1946. On August 27, 1949 Jim was united in marriage to Gloria Guthrie, whom he met while they were both working at Oscar Meyer Meat Packing Plant in Madison, WI. They celebrated 75 years of marriage. Shortly after moving to Eveleth in 1955, Jim began working as an apprentice ironworker. He soon became a journeyman and then a master ironworker - a profession he was proud of and pursued the rest of his working life. Jim was a proud member of Iron Workers Union #512. The couple raised eight children as they worked their way across the US following ironwork construction sites. Jim was delighted in realizing his dream of putting down roots at his home on Bass Lake Road. He enjoyed working in his yard and garden. Being the extrovert that he was - with a gift of gab, he irritated his station wagon full of kids every Sunday at church by being the last car in the parking lot to leave. Following retirement, the couple spent thirty-two winters in Apache Junction, AZ. Jim was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing on the Sr. Softball League in AZ as well as golfing. He stayed active throughout his life running, rollerblading and biking. He was also a very naturally talented musician. He could play most any instrument by ear and took pleasure in dancing and singing as well. Jim enjoyed playing any types of games, reading and doing puzzles. Jim was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sports or school activities. He was able to see all of his 8 children retire. Jim was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Biwabik as well as the Knights of Columbus. 

Survivors include his children: Dan (Jody) Egan, Diane Theis, David Egan, Deborah (Paul) Maki, Denise Egan, Douglas Egan, Dawn Gross and Darren (Karen) Egan; grandchildren: Jennifer (Glenn) Smith, Jaclyn Theis, Nicholas (Desi) Maki, Adam, Daniel and Fey Egan, Ashlee (Scott) Larson, Tanner (Hailey) Egan, Tyler Gross, and Samantha (Patrick) Stapleton; great-grandchildren: Lily Larson, Evie and Ellie Smith, Grace and Ben Theis, Lucy Lepak and her mother, Brittany Lepak; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; grandson Matthew Lepak; five siblings: Bob, Phyllis, Mary Kay, Patricia and Madonna; and his parents.