The communities of Burlington, Fort Madison, and Keokuk are mourning the loss of Dr. Daniel “Dan” Bruce Garrison, an esteemed board-certified orthodontist, dedicated U.S. Navy veteran, and community leader, who passed away on July 5, 2026, at the age of 47.
As the owner and primary clinician of River Ridge Orthodontics, Dr. Garrison was widely recognized across Southeast Iowa for his transformative orthodontic care, humanitarian work, and foundational volunteer leadership within regional youth scouting programs. He is survived by his wife of many years, Silvia, and their three children: Caleb, Gianna, and Liam.
| Parameter | Official Clinical & Memorial Record |
| Full Name | Dr. Daniel “Dan” Bruce Garrison, DMD |
| Date of Passing | Sunday, July 5, 2026 (Age 47) |
| Private Practice | River Ridge Orthodontics (Burlington, IA) |
| Satellites Served | Fort Madison, IA | Keokuk, IA |
| Military Service | Lieutenant, United States Navy (7 Years Active Duty) |
| Clinical Status | Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) |
| Academic Foundations | BYU (B.S.) | Case Western Reserve (DMD) | Jacksonville Univ. (MS) |
| Civic Credentials | Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America Troop 3 Leader) |
| Funeral Venue | Prugh Funeral Service & Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul’s |
| Final Resting Place | Jacksonville National Cemetery (Jacksonville, FL) |
Distinguished Military Service and Specialized Clinical Career
Born on March 6, 1979, in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Garrison’s life was defined by a culture of service to others. After completing high school, he volunteered for a two-year humanitarian mission in Peru, where he developed a deep lifelong connection to South American cultures and became completely fluent in Spanish. Upon returning, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Brigham Young University, where he met his wife, Silvia Bazán.
Dr. Garrison accepted a highly competitive full-ride Health Professions Scholarship from the United States Navy to attend dental school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (DMD). Immediately following graduation, he entered active service as a Navy Lieutenant, completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency with the 1st Dental Battalion/Naval Dental Center at Camp Pendleton, California.
Following seven years of honorable active service, during which he maintained oral health readiness for thousands of sailors and marines, Dr. Garrison pursued specialized orthodontic training at the Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics in Florida. He subsequently achieved the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO)—a voluntary, rigorous elite board credential held by only a select percentage of practicing orthodontists nationwide. In 2009, he established River Ridge Orthodontics, providing specialized orthodontic care to patients across Des Moines and Lee counties.
Lifelong Commendation in Scouting and Cultural Joys
Dr. Garrison was a passionate champion of youth leadership development. A lifelong Eagle Scout, he continued his service decades later as an active adult leader for Boy Scouts of America Troop 3 in Burlington, Iowa. He was also a prominent member of the Nawakwa Lodge 3 of the Order of the Arrow in Richmond, Virginia, where he frequently volunteered his time at the Nawakwa Scouting Museum and collected rare Scouting patches. One of his greatest personal joys was guiding his own sons along their advancement paths to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
Beyond his professional practices, Dr. Garrison possessed a remarkable singing voice and a love for music. He frequently played guitar and sang traditional cumbia music to his wife. An avid outdoorsman, he spent his free time gardening, camping along local waterways, fishing, grilling for family gatherings, and making homemade yogurt.
Liturgical Schedules and Memorial Contributions
The Garrison family will welcome colleagues, patients, and friends for local visitation honors, followed by formal military burial protocols in Florida.
Visitation and Reception Lines
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Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
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Hours: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
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Location: Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, Burlington, IA 52601
Funeral Mass of the Resurrection
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Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
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Time: 10:00 AM
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Location: Divine Mercy Parish – St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 508 N. 4th Street, Burlington, IA 52601
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Celebrant: Fr. Jake Greiner
Committal and Interment Services
Burial with full military honors provided by a United States Navy Honor Guard will take place at the Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.
In lieu of floral arrangements, the Garrison family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Troop 3 in Burlington, Iowa, or Nawakwa Lodge 3 of the Order of the Arrow in Richmond, Virginia, ensuring that his deep legacy of regional community service continues to empower local youth.