Mass of Christian Burial
The Church of the Sacred Heart-
-
-
Email Details
-
4087 West Broadway
Robbinsdale, -
Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope
Leonard "Lenny" Donald Daniels
October 16, 1921 — September 18, 2020
Leonard "Lenny" Donald Daniels
Leonard "Lenny" Donald Daniels age 98, died peacefully on September 18, 2020, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Lenny was born on October 16, 1921, to Ernest and Leah Daniel, of Clontarf, Minnesota, where he spent a childhood farming and bootlegging. He and his three brothers each joined a branch of the Armed Services to fight in World War II. To sound more “American,” the surname was changed from “Daniel” to “Daniels.” Lenny was a Marine with the 3rd Tank Battalion and fought the Battle of Iwo Jima. He loved his fellow Marines but he did not like war. He married the first love of his life, Lavona (“Vonnie”) Fiala, in 1948. They had one daughter, Cheryl (“Sherry”) Ann, and lived in Crystal, Minnesota. Lenny was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Robbinsdale. Vonnie died from cancer in 1982. Lenny married the second love of his life, Janet Aarestad, in 1989 Lenny was a bartender at some of the best joints, like The Covered Wagon and Jax Café. Lenny won the national award “Bartender of the Year” in 1986. Lenny loved golf, historical biographies, Gin rummy, Dr. Pepper, smelt fish, and Benny Goodman. Lenny was exceptionally warm and kind. His smile met his eyes and he giggled often and silently. He was a very gentle soul.
Lenny is survived by his wife Janet; his daughter Sherry and son-in-law Bill Dease; his stepdaughter Rosemary and son-in-law Guy Bierman; his granddaughters Jennifer, Jessica (Dan), Jillian (Max), and Heidi (Michael); his nine great-grandchildren who affectionately call him “Papa;” his sister Gloria; and his many, many nieces and nephews who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings; and his wife Vonnie.
Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Thursday, September 24 at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Robbinsdale. Visitation at church beginning at 9 AM. Burial immediately following at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Leonard "Lenny" Donald Daniels, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
