The story of Dan Denman is all too short and yet very complex….
On June 23, 1983, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, Dan was born the second of two children to parents, Robert “Bob” and Dianne (Matuska) Denman. His first five years were spent living in Eden Prairie, MN. At the age of five, his parents moved to Prior Lake, MN, where Dan spent the rest of his life.
Dan was a devoted father, loving and loyal brother, courageous son and steadfast friend. He is loved by many especially his soul mate and true love, fiancé Michon.
His pride and joy is his daughter Keegan. He was an incredible dad and a great guiding force in her life. He is so proud of what a wonderful young lady she is. Keegan has her dad’s sense of humor…it is a gift that they both know how to use. They share a bond like few you will ever see. They enjoy spending time together, caring for their rescue dogs Ginger and Jasper, hanging out at family functions, taking in a Wild game, watching football or just chilling with his Lucy Lu.
Dan is the younger brother of sister Darci. They could communicate volumes to one another by just a “look”! Dan looked up to his big sister and her love and friendship helped Dan through his many moments in life. They had many great times on the lake, on family vacations to places near and far and again just chilling. They always have each other’s back and you would be wise to not cross that line. Dan became quick friends with Darci’s husband Rob. Rob was the big brother that Dan never had, although Dan would make it abundantly clear he was the boss. Dan is the uncle that you always loved as a kid, he is the FUN uncle. He truly enjoyed his Goddaughter Presley, melting when she came into the room. Niece Bryce was always giggling when Uncle Dan was around. He had a way with her.
As a son, Dan filled the life of Dianne and Bob. Dan had both triumphs and tragedy in his short time. An adventurous young child, always on the move, always asking Mom why and what. He was Dianne’s little cuddler and Bob’s buddy. Great memories of family trips, the RV to the Black Hills, Jamaica, Ireland and many more. At age 17 Dan faced his first big challenge in life. He lost a leg in a boating accident and was forever changed. He never, ever had a minute of woe is me. It was quite a challenge but out of it grew his greatest triumph for both he and his parents. The birth of Keegan at age 19 was a catalyst moment in Dan’s life. Setting him on a path to being a truly fine person. Bob and Dianne could not be prouder of all that he is.
In February 2014 his life took yet another turn. A really good turn. He met the love of his life Michon. Together they brought out the best in each other. Both had new motivation and passion for life. Things were never better, great life partner, planning a September wedding, business really taking off and Keegan close to their side. What a wonderful year Michon gave to Dan.
Dan has an amazing quantity of high quality friends. He loved to spend time with his posse. Whether it was Fantasy Football season, doing a little ice fishing, gaming or just chilling Dan was a force in many of their lives. Confident is his opinion he shared it frequently and his good buddies always sought him out when looking for advice on something. If you were a good friend you had a Dan “nickname”. Was not always pretty but in some way it was well earned. Dan was the life of the party, he managed to win his fair share of them. Dan was never shy to ask a buddy for help but always there when you needed him for something.
Dan loved his extended family, his many aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces and soon to be in laws. He loved to golf, a passion he picked up from his grandfather Bud Denman. He was an exceptional sales
On February 17, 2015 at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Daniel Robert Denman passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm, at the age of 31 and a resident of Prior Lake, MN. His last act of generosity was being an organ and skin donor. He literally has given the gift of Life to others. His liver to an 18 year old boy, a kidney to a 57 year old woman and a kidney to a friend. Touching the lives of 55 to 60 people through his donations. A great legacy for our Daniel. It helps make some sense of it all.
Dan’s life will be honored at a Celebration of Life Service on Friday, February 20 at 3:00 pm with a visitation from 1 to 3 pm, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN. The Reverend Diana Hunstad will preside. Pall bearers for Dan will be Nick Monson, Rob Smith, Chase Jurgensen, Brock Jurgensen, Paul Busselman, Sean Bongard, Nick Tofanelli, Brent Rausch, Ryan Mullin and Andy Shrader. Memorials preferred and will be distributed in Dan’s memory by the family.
And on we go……..
