Daniel Mjolsness

Daniel Terrance Mjolsness was born June 17, 1949 in Fargo, ND. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where his passion for music and singing grew under the direction of Paul J. Christiansen.

Dan started his career in pharmaceutical sales with Johnson & Johnson and moved into advertising, publishing, and medical education with the American Medical Association. He then started his own consulting company focusing on medical education. Beyond his professional life, music was central to Dan’s being from singing in Bach cantatas at St. Luke Church in Chicago where Dan and Cindy lived for 17 years, to singing and dancing with his grandchildren. His taste in music varied from classical and opera to hard rock, jazz and blues. He whole heartedly embraced the eclectic music his children introduced him to over the years. Dan was a man of great faith. Whether he was active in the church choir, bible study or engaging in conversation with friends and loved ones, his Lutheran faith was front and center in his life. 

Dan had a passion for the finer things in life. His sense of style in clothes and shoes was second to none. He loved gourmet cooking and fine wine, spending many special evenings at Charlie Trotter’s, including his surprise 50th Birthday dinner with friends and family. He loved having the opportunity to cook alongside Chef Trotter several times. He loved his dogs, rescuing horses, and feeding the birds at their home in Barrington, where Dan and Cindy lived and split time with Naples, FL. 

Dan passed away in the comfort of his Barrington home due to complications from liver cancer treatment after 15 years of other complex medical issues and chronic pain. He is survived by his father, Daniel B. Mjolsness, his wife and soulmate of 37 years, Cindy H. Mjolsness, his children Ben (Kristen), Becca (Brian), Nick (Angelina), grandchildren Lucy, Lily, Lucia, and Leonidas, and his siblings Mary, Joel (Jory), Dave (Penny), Nancy (Stu), and Jane (Greg). He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverly. He was a beloved uncle, cousin, and friend. 

Memorials may be made to: Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E. Main st., Barrington, IL. 60010 Website: www.churchofatonement.org or Concordia College, c/o Advancement O_ice, 901 8th st. S., Moorehead, MN 56562. Website: cord.edu/giving. 218-299-3733 The memorial service will be Saturday, June 1, with a visitation beginning at 10am until the time of a service at 11am at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 E Main St, Barrington, IL.
For those to cannot make it to the service, you can join livestream via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uMahVWJd3Q