I miss you, Dad. Miss our many good times together. I lost you four years ago yesterday and I woke up this morning wanting to sit and talk with you today. A lot has happened in my life these past four years, especially these past five months. I have a lot I’d like to share with you today. You led such a good and courageous life right up to the end. I’m so grateful that you were my father. I love you and miss you.
Andrew W. Danielson 12/14/32 - 10/17/17
Danielson, Andrew W. “Andy,” 84, of Minneapolis, died of heart failure in Ontonagon, Mich., on 10/17/17 while visiting the south shore of Lake Superior with his friend Tom. Andy is survived by Vonne, his loving wife of 62 years; 3 sons Scott, Jeff, and Jim; 7 grandchildren, Andy, Brad, Mitch, Olivia, Sophie, Stella, and Ava.
Andy was born and raised in St. Paul and attended the University of Minnesota, where he received his BSL Degree in 1954. He received a regular US Marine Corps commission out of the NROTC unit at the “U” and completed Basic School at Quantico, VA, in January 1955. He reported to NAS Pensacola in February 1955 to begin flight training, earning his wings at Corpus Christi, TX, on June 1, 1956. Danielson joined VMF-114 at Cherry Point, NC, and flew the F9F-8 Cougar. He moved on to pilot the F4D-1 Skyray with VMF-531, as well as the F2H-2 Banshee, F3D Skyknight, and the TV-2. While on active duty, Andy took part in both land and carrier-based operations. Resigning his regular commission in October 1958, he returned to NAS Minneapolis, joining VMF-213 as a USMCR pilot. As a reservist, he flew the F9F-5 Panther, AD-5 Skyraider, T-28, and the R4Q (C-119) “Flying Boxcar.” Andy retired from the reserves in 1992 as a Lieutenant Colonel after a military career that spanned 24 years of regular and reserve service.
After resigning his regular USMC commission in 1958, Andy flew for Northwest Airlines for three years while attending the U of M Law School, earning his JD degree in 1961. He practiced law as a partner and trial attorney with the Larkin Hoffman law firm and was appointed to the District Court bench in 1971. He resigned his judgeship in 1976 when President Jimmy Carter appointed him to US District Attorney for MN. After serving in this capacity for three years, he returned to his law firm in 1979 and was again appointed to the District Court bench in 1988. Andy retired from the bench in 2002.
Since retiring, Andy and Vonne and their family enjoyed over 15 years of good times, including travel, fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, biking, and many great days with grandchildren.
BeWonderNow
Thank you, Maryam, both my Mom and Dad were very fond of you. We remember those good times fishing with you.
Dear Scott,
Thank you for having us read what you wrote last year. It’s so much a part of the pride we had and have of Dad. How fortunate we are , as his three sons, and I not only Dads wife but he was truly my best friend.
Yesterday was one more year 0ct. 17, 2022.
I truly feel the love.