Daniel “Dan” Anderson, of Prior Lake, passed away January 26, 2018 at the age of 50. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and Dan’s sons will act as urn bearers.
On January 20, 1968, Daniel Paul Anderson was born to Jerry and Darlene Anderson. Dan was the youngest of seven children. He was a fun-loving, mischievous little boy. Dan loved growing up in the country. He spent a lot of time outside entertaining himself with the family horses and three-wheelers, but his favorite thing was cross-country skiing with his dog Flicka.
Dan graduated from St. Francis High School in 1986 and continued to college. He bounced around a few schools and got a “social education”. When Dan left school, he moved in with his sister and her family. Dan loved living with Judy and Frank, but he especially loved being with his nieces and nephews. He was an amazing uncle and had a very special relationship with the kids.
As a young man, Dan began working for UPS. He started out as a part-time driver. UPS had targets for their drivers to make, and Dan took this as a serious challenge. Not only did he meet the targets, but he quickly surpassed them. Soon Dan was a full-time employee. He set a goal to become a manager, and it wasn’t long before he met his goal. Dan spent nearly 30 years with UPS and made many wonderful friends along the way.
Dan had a lot going for him, but he was still looking for someone to share his life with. On a blind date, he met the love of his life, Maureen Maloney. They attended a Billy Joel concert and hit it off right away. After a few years of dating, they were married in Excelsior on October 11, 1996. They were blessed with two wonderful sons, Samuel and Jackson. Dan and Maureen settled in Prior Lake to raise their family.
After many years of marriage, Dan and Maureen needed to spend some time apart so they went their separate ways. The time apart was hard, and when they reunited, they were stronger than ever. Dan and Maureen exchanged wedding vows in front of family on May 5, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Florida.
As a family, they loved being outside. They enjoyed boating on Prior Lake, skiing in Lutsen and taking frequent trips to the North Shore. Dan’s family visited the North Shore when he was a boy, and this is a tradition he passed on to his family. Dan and Maureen also loved to travel. One of their most memorable trips was a Mediterranean Cruise which took them to Italy, Greece and Turkey. This was a very special time that they spent with their boys.
Dan loved being with his family. He worked nights so he could have his days free to be with Maureen and the boys. Although Dan was permanently sleep deprived, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was able to attend soccer games, karate classes and school performances. Dan truly was the best dad. He was so supportive and encouraging of his boys. He showed them the right path and taught them how to live their lives. Dan was so proud of both Sam and Jackson.
Seven and a half years ago, Dan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. He fought it with a fierce determination. It seemed that his stubbornness served him well at this time, because he never gave up. But after a courageous fight, Dan went home to be with the Lord.
Dan was such a loving man and cared for everyone. He was fun, always up for a good time and had a great sense of humor. His beautiful blue eyes could light up the room and his kind heart would put a smile on your face. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Maureen; sons, Sam and Jackson; siblings, Judy (Frank) Boyles, Bonnie Day, Wendy Crandall, Lori Anderson, Sandy (Gary) Weber, Jim Anderson; many nieces and nephews; other loving relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors and dog, Kirby. Dan is preceded by his parents, Jerry and Darlene Anderson.
