Daniel Fondell died Monday, November 27, 2017 at his home in rural Dawson at the age of 64, in the presence and love of his family.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 1:30 PM at Dawson Covenant Church with Rev. Erik Carlson officiating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 8, 2017 from 5-7:00 PM at the Dawson Covenant Church with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are with Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson.
Daniel Ralph Fondell was born February 3, 1953 in Williamson, WV to Ralph and Gertrude (Franklin) Fondell. He moved to Alaska with his family in 1959, graduating from Nome High School in 1971 and from North Park College in Chicago in 1975 with a degree in classical philology. Dan married Luanne Anderson on November 29, 1980 at Sioux Falls, SD. Dan and Luanne made their home in Nome and then Anchorage, AK, where he served as CEO of Bering Straits Native Corporation. They moved their family to Dawson, MN, in 1991, where Dan owned Wickersham Antiques, and later TAC Computers. He was employed by Farm Credit Services of Minnesota Valley as Vice President of Financial Services. Dan put down roots in Dawson, serving in leadership roles at Johnson Memorial Hospital, Dawson Covenant Church, and Milan Village Arts School. In addition to his lifelong interest in history and antiques, he found a skill and passion for craftsmanship while in Dawson, developing his identity as a jewelry maker, artisan baker, silversmith, and steadfast supporter of the arts.
His family was his greatest joy. He is survived by his wife, Luanne; three children: Nathaniel (Ellen) Fondell of Richfield, MN; Elisabeth Fondell of Dawson, MN; and Jonathan Fondell of Minneapolis, MN; three grandchildren: Everly, Oskar, and Arlo; his parents: Ralph and Gertrude Fondell of Chugiak, AK; his siblings: Kathryn (James) Congdon of Manley, AK; Rebecca (Wayne) Carlson of Algonquin, IL; Stephen (Lynne) Fondell of Jenks, OK; and John (Truc Lien) Fondell of Eagle River, AK; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents: Nathaniel & Lillian Franklin and Clarence & Selma Fondell and an infant brother.