“Dr. Cole’s passing is a huge loss for Webster County,” said Webster County Supervisor Bob Thode. “He was so kind-hearted and knowledgeable. He never hesitated to sit with family members or to share his knowledge with others. He is definitely going to be missed.”

Cole joined what became UnityPoint Health on July 1, 1972. He spent the first 21 years of his career as a family medicine physician. He later transitioned to the emergency department at Trinity Regional Medical Center where he worked for 22 years. In 2017, Cole returned to the UnityPoint Family Medicine Clinic at Second Avenue North to continue practicing family medicine.

“Dr. Cole was a tireless leader and an exceptional physician,” said Leah Glasgo, president of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge. “He made an incredible impact on the Fort Dodge community. His knowledge and kindness will be greatly missed by his patients and both the past and present members of his UnityPoint Health family. ‘Doc Cole’ leaves a lasting legacy of dedication to his patients and the community.”

Cole held many roles in his 49-year medical tenure including Emergency Department medical director, hospice medical director for 20 years, was the medical director of 10 regional volunteer emergency medical services as well as Fort Dodge Fire Rescue, and medical director of UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine.

Dr. Dan Cole

Cole was also awarded the 2016 Hospital Hero Award by the Iowa Hospital Association. He taught EMS classes for Iowa Central Community College, pursued Medicare certification for Trinity Hospice, assisted with the campaign to build the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home in Fort Dodge and was instrumental in starting a palliative care program at TRMC. He also aided in the design, layout, and workflow of TRMC’s emergency department when it was renovated in 2016.

Cole also served as Webster County medical examiner throughout his entire 49-year medical career covering at least 100 cases per year, he estimated in 2021.

“His vast knowledge will be hard to replace,” said Thode, who worked with Cole for more than 35 years while on the Fort Dodge Police Department. “He would spend time to answer questions, show you his conclusions and even do after-action reports. He was a great mentor. He never hesitated to share his knowledge. He was so caring with family when he had to do a death notification. He would sit with them and answer their questions. He is definitely going to be missed.”

Thode recalled asking him to provide trainings for law enforcement officers to which he said Cole never hesitated and provided thorough trainings and made sure to answer every question.

“Dr. Dan Cole was such a great asset to the citizens of Webster County and the Sheriff’s Office,” added Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener. “Dr. Cole served as the Webster County Medical Examiner for so many years, but he also served as a friend to many of us who work in law enforcement by offering assistance and sharing his knowledge whenever possible. I have known Dr. Cole for over 30 years and his knowledge and expertise will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.”

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