Service Information
Erling F. Danielson, age 85, of rural Franklin, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at Swedlanda Lutheran Church, Palmyra Township, rural Hector, Minnesota, with interment following in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Erling Fredric Danielson was born on April 9, 1937, at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Oliver and Anna Mary (Reinschmidt) Danielson. Erling was baptized as an infant on May 9, 1937, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on October 7, 1951. He received his education in Bird Island Lake Lillian, and was a graduate of the Bird Island Lake Lillian High School Class of 1955.
Erling joined the United States Navy in the spring of 1955, at Minneapolis, MN. He began active service on January 14, 1957 where he served in the South Pacific. Erling received an Honorable Discharge on March 25, 1963, at USS Lexington (CVA-16) at Alameda, CA, and achieved the rank of Airman.
On November 2, 1957, Erling was united in marriage to LaVaun L. Lewerenz at Trinity Episcopal Church in Litchfield, MN. This marriage was blessed with two children, Laura and Erling “Mitchell”. Erling and LaVaun resided in rural Franklin on their farm. They shared 64 years of marriage.
Erling farmed in Palmyra Township from 1959 until 1999. He continued to work in the fields farming for fellow neighborhood farmers until 2021. He was proud to own a Century Farm. Erling proudly served on the Fairfax Co-op Elevator Board and Swedlanda Evangelical Lutheran Church Council.
Erling was a member of the Hector Sliders, participating in competitive downhill skiing. Some of his favorite memories were the annual ski club trips out west. He participated in the Trans-Superior International Yacht Race. Erling had many aspiring activities: skiing, both water and snow, sailing and power boat cruising. He was a licensed Scuba Diver. Erling enjoyed hunting, fishing (both ice spear fishing and summer angling), woodworking, playing cards, crosswords puzzles, travel, playing tennis, and conversation with family, friends, and even strangers. He enjoyed trips with family and friends, often traveling the United States by camper, internationally by plane, and the Great Lakes by sailboat and oceans by Naval ships.
Erling will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was a great listener and concise communicator. He had a welcoming smile and his wisdom was accepted by all.
Erling was a valiant survivor of cancer for over 25 years that finally ended after a short battle with Leukemia, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota, at the age of 85 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Erling is survived by his:
Wife, LaVaun Danielson of rural Franklin, MN;
Daughter, Laura Danielson of Minneapolis, MN;
Son, Erling “Mitchell” Danielson and his wife, Mary of Coon Rapids, MN;
Grandchildren, Christianna Danielson and Samantha Danielson;
Many other relatives and friends.
Erling is preceded in death by his Parents, Oliver and Anna Danielson; Sister, Lyndall Russel; Grandson, Hunter Danielson.
Gloria Morris says
Laura, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Fay Danielson Caneday says
LaVaun and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Erling’s passing. I wish I could have had many more conversations with him. He was my last living relative in Renville County, and that also saddens me. Thankful for the memories.
Walter Friauf says
LaVaun and family, I am so sorry for your loss, a loss of a loved one is a hard thing and leaves a hole in your life that is hard to heal. My prayers are for you and that healing. Erling was a true friend, as you will miss him I will also miss him and that friendship very much. We had some great times.
God bless you and your family. Walt
Vonnie Wertish says
LaVaun and family, Bob and I are sorry to learn that Erling has passed. As a member of the class of ‘55, Erling was part of the BI Public School family. We were one big family. I enjoyed planning class reunions with Erling. LaVaun, you are are in our thoughts and prayers.
Becky Severson says
My thoughts are with Laura and her family. A life lost is hard but may all the wonderful memories of a life well lived comfort you.
Wayne Johnson says
Erling you were the best ski trip member in our crew. Never complained and never quit even when time took its toll on you. I’ll never forget that time we went to NorthStar after a storm and laughed all the way down through the trees with snow to our knees and all over us. I’ll keep you with me in those memories. RIP my friend until we meet again…
Sarah Lewerenz says
LaVaun, Laura and Mitchell,
So very sorry for your loss of Erling. Both my Dad and Mom thought very highly of Erling. May you find peace in your memories.
Sarah Lewerenz
Chechamma says
Laura, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. Wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you reflect and celebrate his life.
Fred Kienlen says
LaVaun. So sorry to hear of Erling passing. He was a true friend and gentleman. You are so lucky to have had him in your life. I was first introduced to Erving when we were both on the Fairfax elevator board.It was always a pleasure to bump into him at the Corner Cafe or somewhere else in the area.My sympathy to you and your family!
Fred Kienlen
Wayne Franzeen says
LaVaun, Laura, Mitchell,
Very sorry for your loss of Erling Will miss the stories of ski trips, Hope for peace and comfort reflecting his life.
Jill Hansen says
Dear Lavaun and laura,
I just heard about Erling’s passing and want to send my sincere condolences for your loss. Eling was always a kind and gentle soul and fun to chat with on the docks in Bayfield. It’s so sad to lose old friends! Jill Hansen