Funeral services for Sgt. Daniel L. Sesker, 22, Ogden, were Tuesday April 18, 2006 at the Ogden High School gym with Chaplain Maj. Wil-liam Klavetter officiating. Private burial was at Linwood Park Cemetery in Boone with military rites conducted by 1-113th Cavalry.
Sesker died Thursday, April 6 near Baghdad, Iraq, as the result of a roadside bomb explosion.
Casket bearers were Sgt. 1st Class Strasser, 1st Lt. Roberts, Staff Sgt. Westra, Staff Sgt. LeClair, Staff Sgt. Dorwart, and Sgt. 1st Class Bortell. Honorary bearers were Jeremy Britton, Ryan Sitterle, John Rohden, Nathan Lestina, Brandon Burma and Mike Frazier. "The Lord's Prayer" was sung by Bill Grieser. Jan Emerson was pianist. Recorded music included "God Bless the Broken Road" and "Here Without You".
Reflections were presented by Spc. Shane Sinn, Sgt. David Bollenbaugh and Sfc. Phil Edwards.
Daniel LaVerne Sesker was born April 15, 1983, in Boone, IA, the son of Mysty Harper-Stumbo and Dennis Sesker. He graduated with the Ogden High School Class of 2001 and attended Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Dan enlisted as a Cavalry Scout in Troop B, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry in August of 2000. He was deployed to Kosovo in 2003 as part of Operation Joint Guardians. In July of 2005, Dan volunteered to be attached to Troop C, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry out of LeMars, IA, for the Iraqi Freedom Mission.
While in Iraq, he served as a gunner in the Task Force 49th Military Police Personnel Security Detachment. Between the Kosovo and Iraq tours of duty, Dan worked as a counselor at the Woodward Academy and as a part-time police officer in Gowrie, IA. At the time of his death, he was serving on the same base in Iraq as three Ogden High School classmates, Sgt. David Bollenbaugh, Spc.Shane Sinn and Spc. Michael Frazier.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. He was promoted to Sergeant posthumously.
Some of the things Dan enjoyed doing and is remembered for, are his love of a good game of pool, bowling, hunting, and fishing. Most of all, he loved living life.
Dan is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mysty (Harper) and Marvin Stumbo, Ogden, IA; father Dennis Sesker, Boone, IA; fiance Angelique Garey, Ogden; brother and sister-in-law Pfc. Thomas and Sara Sesker stationed in Hawaii; sister, Jennifer, Ogden; stepsister Amie Stumbo, Sandston, VA; stepbrother Brian Stumbo, Cedar Rapids, IA; grandparents Jean Harper, Boone, and Bud and Diane Harper, Creston, IA; several other family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Stanley and Violet Sesker.
Memorials may be directed to:
In Memory of Dan Sesker
City State Bank
217 W. Mulberry St.
Ogden, IA, 50212
Carson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
