Obituary of Daniel Thomas Moran

Daniel Thomas Moran born October 2, 1935, died April 16, 2019, surrounded by family in his daughter’s home in Duluth, Minnesota.

Dan thoroughly enjoyed his youth in Lake County South Dakota; riding his bike to lake Herman, fishing and hunting with his friends, and later becoming a caddy at the golf course and dreaming of becoming a golf pro.

After graduating from high school, Dan enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Orleck, relishing his time in Japan and the Philippines. He took full advantage of the GI Bill and returned to his beloved Madison, S.D. to attend General Beadle State Teacher’s College where he earned his B.A.

While at General Beadle, Dan met the love of his life, Myrl Reecy. She was charmed by his French cuffs and steely blue eyes. They married July of 1960.

They began their family quickly and taught in the Dakotas, Baltimore, MD, and Guam, before settling in Minnesota. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. During this time, he earned his Master’s degree from SDSU.

In 1970 they moved to the Twin Cities where Dan worked as a guidance counselor at Robbinsdale Junior High School.

After several years of dabbling with gardening, Dan and Myrl plunged into farming full time in Wynette Township. With careful planting, he returned much of their property to prairie and never tired of watching its evolution. They called their farm Melon Patch Herbs, and lovingly grew herbs, flowers, and vegetables; eventually spending 40 years selling at the St. Paul Farmers Market.

Dan proudly worked until he was 81 years old.

In addition to traveling to 6 continents and loving his work, Dan was passionately involved with politics, environmental causes, and was always a ready ally for the underdog.

Dan is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Myrl Reecy Moran, his sister Mary LeVay (Dick), his daughters Danielle Moran, Jacque Moran Strike (Doug), Colleen Moran (Jeff Dietlin), and his grandchildren: Aileron Hogansen (Jared), Patrick Moran, Dylan Strike, Mariah Strike, Will Moran, Zane Dietlin, Jamison Dietlin, and one great granddaughter, Riley Hogansen. Also, his handsome dog, Dakota.

Dan was a poet, a superb dancer, a master lavender grower, a devoted partner, an excellent father, and a much loved friend. He will be dearly missed.