Danny Morris Warner

1938 - 2025

Albert Lea - Danny Morris Warner, age 87, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, at his son's home in Albert Lea MN, surrounded by his loving family.

Born to Morris Chapel Warner and Ida Mae Pigott in Sycamore IL, Danny grew up with a passion for learning, and the outdoors that carried throughout his life. As a child Danny had many pets - dogs, a pet crow, pet racoons, fox, pig, and a horse (Goldy).

He began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Sycamore High School in 1956. He went on to attend Northern Illinois University, and although his formal schooling ended there, he remained a lifelong learner, always seeking knowledge and new adventures. Often stating, "A job is an opportunity to learn something new."

On March 21, 1959, Danny married Marilyn Smith. Together they had three children: Douglas (Annette "Pebbles") Warner of Albert Lea, MN; Timothy Warner of Kenyon, MN and Marcella (Todd) Butts of Trego, Montana.

Danny's grandchildren include Kirsten Conry of Owatonna, MN, Ryan (Kristashea Sloan) Warner of Knoxville Iowa, and Brett (Nelette Shukei) Warner of Spencer, Iowa. Taylor (Evan) Anderson and McKenzie (Trevor) Thompson. Joshua Butts of Missoula, MT, and Tristan Butts of Trego, MT. His great-grandchildren brought him great joy: Wyatt Oldenfendt, Maveda Warner, Cooper Aul, Joie Conry-Maas, Everett Warner, River Warner, and Dylan Anderson.

Danny spent more than 30 years with his special friend, Thomasine Conger of Riceville, Iowa. Her family also became dear to him: Tommy (Nikki) and children Caden, Emmett, and Kami of LeMars, IA; Joe (Morgan) and children Clayton, McCoy, and Greyson of Stewartville, MN; and Tena Conger of Rochester, MN. Danny loved all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren-by birth and by heart-as his own.

He is survived by his brother, Michael Warner of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Ida Mae Warner, his sisters Bonnie (Chuck) Minnehan and Janet (Elmer) Troutman and sister-in-law, Dori Warner.

Danny's career was as varied and dynamic as his interests. He began with custom farming and went on to work for Awe Implement, Kirkland, IL, Massey Ferguson Industrial in Akron Ohio as a trainer across the United States and Canada, then Owatonna Tool Company where he was a Sales manager for the Track Master Division. From there he went on to Press Construction Company in Andoas, Peru building roads for Occidental Petroleum. He later worked with Midwest Fuels, Mathey Construction in Dodge Center and running the asphalt tanks in Rochester, MN for Manthey Construction. He also proudly served his country in the Army Reserves two different times. He loved his country.

Though small in stature, Danny played high school football, cross country, and track-always a strong team player who lived larger than his size. That spirit carried him throughout life. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, fisherman, and trapper. As a boy, he earned money calling ducks for his dad who guided Sears and Roebuck Executives on the Illinois River. He loved hiking, rafting, and canoeing, and found great joy in the natural world. He lived and worked in many places, cherishing time in Montana with his daughter's family as well as throughout the Midwest. Danny was also a supporter and coach of youth sports in Owatonna, MN. He was a founding member of the OBA (Owatonna Basketball Association) which later became the Owatonna Sports Booster Club. Danny coached youth baseball. Basketball and football. He also enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids sports and activities throughout his life.

His zest for life burned brightly. He had a sparkle in his eye and embraced each day with curiosity, adventure, and love for those around him. His legacy of resilience, learning, and joy will continue in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Danny will be missed by all who knew and loved him but he looked forward to being with Jesus and seeing those who had gone before him.. A Gathering of friends and families will take place Saturday, November 1st at 3:00pm in Riceville, IA in the Community Center 119 West Main St. Riceville, IA.