Dan grew up in White Bear Lake. He attended Beach School, Lincoln Central, and Sunrise Junior High and graduated White Bear Lake High School in 1969. He continued his education at St. Paul Vo-Tech earning a degree in drafting.

He married Gail Gilson on June 22, 1974. They had grown up together spending much of their time at the beach on White Bear Lake. They were able to have 44 years together as man and wife. He was the father of three children Chad (1977), Tonya (1981), and Rebekah (1988). Daniel considered his children a blessing in soul, mind and life. He was proud of them and their families. To see his kids become parents was a blessing. Grandchildren were the energy in his heart. Daniel had five grandchildren Hailey, Wyatt, Hayden, David (step grandchild), and Elijah. He loved seeing them grow and being involved in all the activities they are in.

In his work journey with the recession in full force he became a truck driver for his Cousin Buck’s company. Dan’s truck driving took him to Colorado and then back to Minnesota. It also sparked his love for reading. He was an over the road truck driver for companies of Kohler, Sunflower, and Novco. With his drafting training he applied to his log books and received praise for keeping the best log books! He then went for the opportunity to work for the Public Works in Chisago County Minnesota. Dan worked on the maintenance team working heavy machinery. In the winter he had the challenge of snow plowing with early and late hours making it safe for others travels. He worked at the Harris shop till his retirement.

Dan found his journey in Christ in Colorado at Mt. Calvary in Fort Lupton where Pastor Blanco enlightened Daniel’s heart to become a servant of God. He loved being an elder, usher, and singing in the choir.

He was in Boy Scouts growing up and was a Webelo leader in Colorado working with his son Chad and others.

Daniel loved to ride motorcycle with his best friend and brother-in-law Denny. They had a yearly ride to Ely.

Daniel could take an engine apart and put it back together and it would work. He enjoyed the ability to help working on his kids vehicles. The last of his vehicles was his retirement truck. A red GMC crew cab Sierra that had to have enough room to bring the grandkids. The retirement truck made a trip to the west coast, Colorado and back to Minnesota. Gail and Dan found a joy in viewing the lighthouses along the coast.  The venture of traveling opened his eyes for more. New York City was a humbling adventure of viewing 9/11 rubble of ashes and hearing about the rescue of many.  Dan and Gail celebrated their 40th anniversary by going to Duluth, Minnesota and enjoying an amazing harbor tour of Lake Superior.

Dan enjoyed helping his children with household needs too. He became quite good at googling and searching YouTube to help with solutions of how to do something on a project. His new remodeling projects spun off his visions of how it needed to be. He continued to impress his wife Gail and his family in his amazing accomplishments.

He lived for his family and friends. Dan enjoyed life to the fullest and was humble in his accomplishments.

We are so thankful for all of your thoughts and prayers. Please continue praying fo us as we get through this tough time. 

Love,
Chad, Tonya, and Rebekah