Robert Earl Danielson

1926 - 2018

Robert Earl Danielson

Phoenix - Robert "Dan" Earl Danielson died on Friday, November 30, 2018 after a long illness. His devoted wife Barbara was by his side. Dan was born July 22, 1926 in Minneapolis, MN, to Carl and Ann Danielson. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jean, grandson Evan Jacobson, and step-son Greg Timm. Dan is survived by Barbara Ann, his wife of 42 years, sons Robert Danielson Jr. and Tom Danielson, daughters Paula (Greg) Kern, Ellen (John) Jacobson, and Diana (Todd) Nappe, step-daughters Bette Timm and Sheryl Calcavecchia, ten grandchildren, and special family friend and caregiver, Drake Oddy.

Dan lived an amazing and full life in his 92 years. After God and family, his passions lay in baseball and music. Dan was an extraordinary athlete. At age 17 he pitched on the American Legion baseball team that won the National Championship and was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. At Washburn High School in Minneapolis he also pitched his baseball team to the championship. Dan was named Athlete of the Year in Minneapolis, MN. When he graduated high school, the Chicago White Sox offered him a contract, but he felt it was his duty to serve his country and chose to join the Naval Air Force. After the war, Dan attended Macalester College where he majored in Speech and Radio and continued playing baseball. He was the winning pitcher for his college team in the Minnesota State College Championship of 1950. After he graduated he played professional baseball, pitching for the Washington Senators in 1952.

Dan sang with the Rochester Symphony Chorus, the Robert Oudal Chorale, and in barbershop quartets. He was a talented pianist and manager of the Schmitt Music stores in St. Cloud, Burnsville, and St. Paul, MN. Dan's career also included credits in over 80 television commercials, voice-overs, industrial films and a role in the 1997 sci-fi movie, Robin Cook's Invasion. He played the lead role in Show Boat and Guys and Dolls at Little Theater of Owatonna, MN.

Active in Toastmasters, Dan was a speech coach and spoke at countless high school graduations. He famously played Santa Claus for many years at Dayton's department store and at TPC Scottsdale Golf Tournaments. Dan felt strongly about helping others and served on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and St. Paul Rotary (a Paul Harris Fellow).

Dan always had a positive attitude and was extremely patient. He was very inquisitive, witty, and an incredible storyteller. His clear and unmistakeable voice captured everyone's attention, while his jubilant personality captured everyone's heart. Dan cherished spending time with people and made everyone feel special. He truly made a difference in so many lives. He will be sorely missed by all his relatives and countless friends. The family would like to thank Southland Hospice for their devotion and care of Dan. A memorial service will be held at the Foothills Baptist Church on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 10:30am, located at 15450 S. 21st St., Phoenix, Arizona.