Obituary of Daniel D Fessenden

Daniel “Dan” D. Fessenden age 70 of Maplewood, MN went to heaven on December 18, 2021 with family by his side. Dan was born on April 15, 1951 in Janesville, Wisconsin.

 

Dan is survived by his loving wife Karen and his children from a previous marriage: Thomas Fessenden (fiancee Cami), Kimberly (Ace) Getahun, Tracy (Paul) Gullerud. Ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Brother: John (Coral) Fessenden, sisters: Clare (John) Brynildson, Christine (Rich) Glass, many nieces, nephews, other extended family and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his parents Austin and Gertrude Fessenden, Sisters: Mary Fessenden, Virginia James and Elizabeth Fessenden.

 

Dan attended Kindergarten at Wilson School, grades 1 – 8 at St Patrick’s Catholic School. Dan moved to Minneapolis at 14 years old where he attended 9th grade at Phillips Jr High School, 10th grade at Central High School 11-12 grade at Alexander Ramsey High School. Dan worked at Westinghouse during his Senior year of school and another 3 years. He went to Colorado with his brother-in-law for 1 month to work on Oil Wells but there were no jobs so they headed back to Minnesota. In 1972 he worked for Prospect Foundry for 6 months.  Then in the summer of 1972, Dan started work at Horner Waldorf (AKA: Waldorf, Champion, Rock Tenn now WestRock) 1 year in stripping, 8 days in Maintenance Service, 26 years as a Millwright (apprentice school 2 years) then 12 years as Preventive Maintenance Inspector. He retired after 39 years on December 1, 2011 from Rock Tenn.

 

Dan was a very strong man and he fought hard through the past 11 years. Dan was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma in May of 2010. After being in remission he went through a Stem Cell Transplant (BMT) using his own stem cells at the U of M. After two years the cancer returned. In May of 2013 he went through another Stem Cell Transplant at the U of M getting his sister Chris’ stem cells. He had been cancer free. Through the years he did have other health issues that came up. On November 10th, 2021 he went in for back fusion surgery to help relieve the pain and be able to walk and stand better. Following his surgery many health issues continued to compile and ultimately lead to his passing.

 

Dan loved participating in any activity he could do outside. He enjoyed hunting or just being in the woods, golfing, fishing, horseshoes, and running. Dan completed 2 marathons, ½ marathons plus many other races. He was very athletic and competitive. Dan always made people laugh but also liked having fun by scaring people on occasion.

 

Dan had three great loves in his life. The love of the Lord, the love of his life​, Karen and the love for his children and grandchildren. Dan and Karen were married on June 26, 1993 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN. Married for 28​ 1/2​ years, Dan and Karen were best friends with a very deep love for each other. Dan often told Karen that she was the lucky one to have found him and Karen couldn't agree more. 

 

Daniel D. Fessenden was a very strong, loving, caring, wonderful husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Dan was the family rock. He was the guy everyone went to with problems; he either would fix the problem or make you feel better with his supportive nature and vast knowledge of scripture. Dan was a devoted Catholic until he joined St John Ev Lutheran Church (WELS) on February 11, 1996. Dan had a very strong faith which he shared with family, friends and anyone he met. Dan had an amazing life and will be missed by all who knew him. 

 

The celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church. Visitation 10:00am – 11:00am prior to the service. Service will be at 11:00am.

 

Private interment at Elmhurst Cemetery at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to:

St. John Ev. Lutheran Church

765 Margaret St.

St. Paul, MN 55106

Or

U of M Foundation

200 Oak St. SE Suite 500

Mpls., MN 55455

Checks made to U of M Foundation, please note the following information in the memo of your check: "Nancy’s BMT Patient Support" or "Fund #11760 in memory of Daniel D. Fessenden."