DANIEL’s Obituary Daniel Joseph Collier was born in Cloquet on January 14, 1948 to Ben and Rose. He spent his childhood years in Wright, Cloquet, and Kettle River with siblings Juanita, Mike, Guy, Janine, and Cindy. Dan and his brothers were the typical mischievous 1950’s boys.
The family was eventually blessed with Gene Hermanson, the father they didn’t have, and moved to “the farm” on the Kettle River. Sister Sandra soon followed. Dan spent his high school years in Moose Lake and Barnum creating many lifelong friends.
He graduated from Barnum high school in 1966 and there was no need for the Country to call him, as the call was in his heart. Dan enlisted in the United States Air Force and began his tour in Vietnam as a Crew Chief/ Door Gunner with the Green Hornets 20th Special Operations Squadron in December of 1968, eventually achieving the rank of Sergeant. Dan often recalled that upon arrival he was told his life expectancy was 7 minutes 18 seconds.
Brothers Mike and Guy soon followed suit. As is the case with many Vets, wartime was not often spoken of by Dan, save the two times in country he was able to visit with his brother Mike. A bittersweet reunion no one can possibly imagine.
Dan came home to a life that cannot possibly be listed in entirety. He has four children whom he loves dearly: Dan Jr (Kelly), Doug (Jen), Dawn (Travis), and Marissa (Bill). He spent most of his working days at Moose Lake Power and Light, however he was also a bartender, apprentice police officer, and drove semi for many, including Heaton’s, Hammitt’s, Dressel’s, and Steen’s.
Dan was a business owner spending some time in a dump truck and bobcat, but his most accomplished endeavor was Dan’s Auto Body where his perfectionism could truly shine in a coat of metallic blue or the fine lines of copper pin striping. He had one rule: If I won’t drive it down Main Street, neither will you. His pens proudly boasted “Not perfect but damn close” in true Dan style.
Dan was a member and President of the Moose Lake Jaycees for several years and the Haunted House was one of his favorite projects. He played many roles, including mummy, cannibal, swamp monster, and the most loved and cherished, Freddy Krueger. Dan had several hobbies: hunting, fishing, bowling (real and Wii), leather work, wood work, painting, gold panning, and tinkering.
He spent many years playing for and sponsoring the softball team. There was nothing he wasn’t great at. Dan spent his final years with his two loves, Arizona and Carolyn.
He was surrounded by friends at the local AmVets Club. He and Carolyn often shared the home with visiting relatives and the two went on many grand adventures. Dan passed peacefully surrounded by love from inches to continents away after a courageous and valiant battle with heart disease and stomach cancer never losing hope or his beautiful smile.
He will be dearly missed by Carolyn, his siblings, his children, and his fifteen grandchildren; Cassie, Gracie, Hannah, Nick, Edea, Kynan, Davin, Olavi, Elsie, Jacob, Kolton, Kristin, Ryan, Evan, and Reed. Dan is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Godspeed Dad, on eagles wings.
The family would like to thank you for the endless well wishes extended as Dan began the journey to his final home, and the family begins their journey on Earth without him. Services in Yuma will be at 11:30 Wednesday, Feb 27, 2019 at Gloria de Cristo Church. Services in Moose Lake will occur in late April/ early May.
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