Donald E. Danneker

Age 80 of West St. Paul, passed peacefully on November 6, 2025 surrounded by family following a brief illness.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Frank; mother, Delores; brother, Bob; granddaughter, Kelsey; son-in-law, Ben Kurth; and step-father, John Haider.
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Claudia; children, Mike (Kris), Rob (Maria), Dawn; grandchildren, Bret, Britney, Brad, Frank, Lucia; great-grandchildren, Nora, Summer, Naomi, Lena, Halle; and many other family members and friends.
A product of St. Paul's West End, Don attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Cretin High School ('63). While playing for the prominent Christie DeParcq Legion baseball team, he met his future wife, who was the sister-in-law of the team's coach, and they married April 29, 1967.
For three decades, Don was a diligent public servant, first with the United States Postal Service, then with the West St. Paul Police Department for 26 years, retiring in 1994 as an investigator.
In retirement, Don continued to serve his community through participation on leadership boards including the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and WSP Challenger Legion Post 521 baseball.
A son, husband, father, coach, supporter, golfer, and friend, "Papa" was a man of honesty and integrity, and will be missed by all.
Memorial services will be private.
Please consider a donation in Don's memory to:
Friends of Companion
c/o Companion Animal Center
1480 Helmo Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128