Danielle Renee Jones

Danielle Renee Jones, age 44, of Maple Grove passed away April 22, 2021.

Danielle was born to Rodney and Carol Nelsen on August 27, 1976. From a young age, Dani’s spirited personality shined through. She kept her parents on their toes, whether it was riding her bike while standing on the banana seat or challenging her mom on what to wear for the day. As she grew up, that spirited personality would sometimes get her in trouble. For anyone that knew her, Dani would do anything for her friends. If you were her friend she had your back no matter what, sometimes to the detriment of herself and the friend. Dani graduated from Wayzata High School and played tennis and soccer. Following graduation, she enrolled in the University of Minnesota to study elementary education. In 1997 she married her high school sweetheart Nathan Dylan and together, they raised three beautiful, loving, caring, strong, and talented children who will carry on the best parts of their mother.

Dani was a stay-at-home mom who was very involved at her children’s school Beacon Academy. From its inception she volunteered there regularly in the lunchroom and classrooms until she was officially placed on staff in 2013. Carrying on from her volunteering she first started in the lunchroom, where she knew every student by name. For the past 2 years she has been a special education paraprofessional working with and supporting elementary age students with academic and behavioral needs. In addition she also drove a special education van, delivered lunches and supplies during the pandemic and supported K-1 art students as they returned to onsite learning. In her 17 years with Beacon she was a beloved fixture for so many in the halls, the classroom and the larger Beacon community. Dani was also a small business owner and partner in a Just Between Friends (JBF) children’s consignment sale in the Blaine/Andover area for many years. She had such a caring heart and regularly took the time to sponsor a child or family in need for Christmas.

In her free time, Danielle loved a good nap, a nice book, and anything Disney. You would often find her relaxing by a blazing fireplace, the heat from which would drive all but her and the cat away. She always wore a smile and wanted those around her to be enjoying life to the fullest. Her uproarious laugh that could be made out even within the loudest crowds will be missed dearly.

Dani is survived by husband, Nathan; children, Gabrielle, Finnlay, Griffyn; parents, Rodney and Carol Nelsen; siblings, Kelley Nelsen, Benjamin (Emily) Nelsen, Erika Nelsen; brother-in-law, Nick (Corly) Jones; nieces & nephews, Oliver, Calvin, Wesley, Eden, Mikayla, Maxwell, Amelia; and many other relatives and friends.

A private family memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 27th at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to her beloved Beacon Academy in memory of Dani Jones, 3415 Louisiana Ave North, Crystal, MN 55427.