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Donald (Don) Lee Danielson - July 12, 1937 - June 23, 2025.

Don departed this earth, and began his eternal journey Monday, June 23, 2025 while sleeping comfortably in Chisago City, MN with family by his side.

A 1955 Waupaca High School graduate, Don went on to get his Bachelor's Degree in Conservation at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, his Master's Degree at the University of Michigan, and his Doctorate at Marquette University.

He was proud to be an Army National Guard veteran, won a National Science Foundation Award for "Innovative Teaching", helped establish and was the first director of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center of Milwaukee, and was inducted into the Bush Fellowship Awards Program for School Administrators. Don was a gifted educator. Other highlight positions from Don’s career include Associate Curator at the Milwaukee Public Museum, and Superintendent of several school systems including Gonvick, MN, and Redfield, SD.

Don’s passion has always been to be outdoors. Whether hunting with his beloved Black Labradors, fishing, wildlife photography, or golfing, Don could almost always be found doing something outdoors and wrote a memoir titled “Come Autumn” as a tribute to the many hours he enjoyed outdoors over the years.  Don's spiritual path led him to his wife Phyllis and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served the Lord as His servant, messenger, and Elder.

He was preceded in death by his parents Col. LeRoy "Muggs" Danielson and Adelyn (Guhl) Danielson, his brother Dale Danielson, and his step-daughter Cindy Patterson. 

He is survived by his wife Phyllis and children Mark, Marsha, Maria, John, Jeff, Jennifer, Stephanie, and Jean. Don is also survived by his siblings, the remaining of the "7 D's," (Deanne Neubauer, David, Debbie Boers, Doug, and Darren) and cousin Mandy “Dandy” Noga. Don cherished his large family of nine children, 24 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren. He was loved by all. His special hello to the great grandchildren was, "Hey there skitz-o-fritz!" His legacy will live on in countless people. He will be dearly missed.

The Minnesota Funeral will be held Thursday, July 3 at 1 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Chapel, 38222 Grand Ave, North Branch, MN. A light lunch will follow.

The Waupaca Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 13, 2 pm to 5 pm, with a special service at 3 pm at MCs (old Courtside) Bar and Grill, 2181 So. Appletree Lane, Waupaca, WI.

Arrangements are by Grandstrand Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Lindstrom.  Condolences maybe expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com

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