Danielson Raymond

Raymond Woodrow Danielson was born on February 8, 1916 at his home in Solem Township to parents Robert and Ida (Hagstrom) Danielson. Raymond died on February 7, 2010 at his home. Ray was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church and attended Hoffman and Kensington Schools. He worked with his father on their farm as well as helping other farmers. In 1936, the family left the farm and moved to Alexandria where he helped his dad build houses and do other carpentry. On October 10, 1940 he married Lydia Schulz at the Fahlun Lutheran Parish in rural Nelson. They made their home in Alexandria living most of their married life out by Lake Cowdry. To this union 3 children were born: LaRae, James and Sandy. In 1943 when Ray was the manager of the Direct Service Oil Company, he received his draft notice. He entered the Army on November 6, 1943 where he was trained as a rifleman. He fought in the Northern France Campaign and the Rhineland Campaign. Ray was part of the 28th Army Infantry Division. They landed in France and after liberating that country they marched through the Arch of Triumph in Paris. Then on toward Germany marching through France, Belgium and into Germany liberating many cities along the way. He performed duties as a member of a 12 man rifle squad in the combat European Theater of Operations. He participated in day and night patrol activity in reconnoitering enemy territory performed guard duty while in the replacement area. He was injured in the Siegfried Line Battle on September 16, 1944 in Germany. He was taken to England to a hospital and then flown to the Percy Jones Hospital Center in Fort Custer, Michigan. He was Honorably Discharged on July 2, 1945. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon: two Bronze Battle Stars; Good Conduct ribbon; and a Purple Heart. When he returned from the war he worked for Ollie?s Gas Station and Standard Oil until he started his own business the Danielson Oil Company. Ray was a member of Calvary Church, the American Legion, the VFW and the Elks Club. He retired in 1994 after selling his business and Ray and Lydia moved to Cedar Hills Condominiums where he lived until he passed away. He liked to fish, hunt, grow his indoor plants, visit with people and in general he loved life. He loved his family and extended family very much and they all love him. He is survived by his children: LaRae (Dan Cook) Johnson; James (Ardis) Danielson; and Sandy Danielson. Grandchildren: Sherry Johnson; Christi Johnson; Susan (Jason) Reed; David (Deb) Johnson; Julie (Michael) Brott; Paul (Kris) Danielson and Charlene (Mike) Scheneman as well as 17 Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dick (Pat) Danielson, and sisters: Mary Lou (Vern) Moll and Carole (Conrad) Patrick. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lydia Ann and I infant daughter; his brother, Archie and sisters: Deloris, Blanche, Florence, Grace and Ivy. Funeral services were held February 12, 2010 at Calvary Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Astrup conducting the service. Music was provided by Becky Worley and Julie Brott. Pallbearers were Jim Danielson, Paul Danielson, David Johnson, Dan Cook, Michael Brott and Mike Schulz.