Gerald Russell Danielson

Gerald Russell Danielson passed away peacefully at his home with family in Coquille, Oregon, on September 15, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born on June 3, 1934, in Brownsville, Oregon, to Russell and Edna (Halter) Danielson, both originally from Coos County. Gerald spent his childhood in Albany, Pendleton, Myrtle Point, and Portland before moving to Coquille in the fourth grade following the passing of his father. He graduated from Coquille High School in 1952, where he played
on the football team and formed lifelong bonds with classmates.
In the fall of 1952, Gerald began studies at Oregon State University before transferring to Linfield College. His education was interrupted in 1954 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He trained at Fort Ord in Monterey, California, and served as a military police officer with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii. Gerald often shared stories from his time in the service, recalling the names of fellow servicemen and officers with whom he had served.
After two years of service, Gerald returned to Linfield to complete his degree. During a night out dancing with friends, he met his future wife, Donna Halvorson. They married in the fall of 1958, shortly after his graduation. Together, they made their home in Coquille, where they shared nearly six decades of marriage until Donna's passing in 2017.
Gerald began his career in real estate with his stepfather, Cecil Little, before becoming a probation officer for the State of Oregon in 1960. After 26 years of dedicated service, he retired from the department. Finding extra time on his hands, he later went to work for Conrad Lumber in Coos Bay, until his second retirement.
He enjoyed camping, hunting, reading, and golfing. From 2001 to 2016, he and Donna spent their winters at their second home in Yuma, Arizona. They could often be found playing washoes; Gerald was a regular at the golf course and Donna at the swimming pool. They enjoyed traveling and attending potlucks with friends and family. In his later years, he enjoyed going on drives and road trips. He also loved teaching his grandchildren how to play dominoes and board games. He was a longtime member of the Coquille Valley Elks Lodge and the First Christian Church. While in Yuma, Gerald and Donna attended the Assembly of God Church.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; sister, Lila Spalding; brother-in-law, Bill King; and nephew, David Spalding.
He is survived by his children: Kurt and Faye Danielson, Karen and Rick DePriest, Eric and Verissa Danielson, Todd and Paige Danielson, Megan and Tim Rosario, and Chaya Sutphin. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis King; twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. His beloved dog, Daisy, will continue to be cared for by Verissa and Eric.
Gerald will be remembered for the love he carried for his family, his humor, stories, and a his love of Jeopardy!
A service will be held at Coquille Christian Community Church in Coquille on November 29th at 11:00am, followed by a gathering at the home of Karen and Rick DePriest in Coquille. Donations may be made in Gerald's memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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