DANIEL JOSEPH COLLIER, JR.

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Daniel Joseph Collier, Jr., 52, Norfolk, VA, proudly from Moose Lake, MN, passed peacefully on June 5, 2024 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk while surrounded by his children and wrapped in the love of family and friends from around the world.  Daniel was born on June 12, 1971 in Moose Lake to Daniel Collier, Sr. and Darlene Huhta Zambory.  He attended Moose Lake High School graduating in 1989.  He participated in many sports and activities and was Class President several years, but mostly he was a proud rink rat and enjoyed the game of hockey.  After high school, he started his Military Career by joining the United States Marine Corps which led him into several different directions spanning a 27-year career including the St. Paul Police Department, the United States Army and ultimately starting his own business to work further with his true passion, making the world a better and safer place.  Although he remained humble, he will long be remembered for being a Highly Decorated Combat Veteran who was a leader, friend, and mentor to many and a Hero to All!  Daniel was always quick to say, “I’m just a grunt…..a kid from the trailer park but we made it.”

One of his greatest accomplishments was having his children.  Dan married Betsy Novak on December 31, 1994 and to this union three children were born: Cassandra, Grace, and Nicholas.  Spending time with his children and family was extremely important to Daniel.  He was so proud of his children and nieces and nephews, bragging about all of their accomplishments and adventures.

Some of Daniel’s other passions include food and cooking, tinkering with cars and motorcycles, watching baseball and hockey, and his incredible talent of painting.  He never stopped learning.

Daniel was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Joseph Collier, Sr.; his grandparents: Hulda and Goldie Huhta and Rose and Gene Hermanson; and all his fellow Warriors fallen in battle.

He will be lovingly remembered by his three children: Cassandra (Abbas) Ghazi, Grace (Mason) Collier, and Nicholas Collier; their mother: Betsy Novak; his mother: Darlene (Bruce) Zambory; three siblings: Doug (Jen) Collier, Dawn (Travis) Leino, and Marissa (Bill) Chaney; his nieces and nephews: Hannah (Juan) and her son Mattias, Edea, Kynan, Davin, Olavi, Elsie, Jacob, Kolton, Kristin; and his In-Laws: Jerry and Joy Novak; and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his colleagues who continue the fight to justice and freedom.

God Bless the American Soldier, Daniel Joseph Collier, Jr.

All services will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 in Holy Angels Catholic Church, 60 Hartman Drive, Moose Lake.  A Rosary Service will be held at 8:45 am.  Visitation will be held from 9 -11 am.  A Welcome Home Service will be at 11 am with lunch to follow in the Social Hall.  Inurnment with Military Honors will be held at 3 pm at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 4777 Highway 53, Saginaw, MN  55779.  

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.