James Danzl

James R. Danzl, age 83 of Osakis, MN, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2015, in his home.
James Roman Danzl was born on Nov. 2, 1931, in St. Cloud, MN, to Bernerd and Veronica (Nohner) Danzl. He was raised in St. Cloud and graduated from Cathedral High School. In 1951, Jim married Mae Dailey and they had four children, one son and three daughters. In 1954, Jim and Mae moved their family to Boulder, Colorado. Jim's 30-plus year career was spent on construction sites in Colorado as a heavy equipment mechanic and a boilermaker. Jim especially enjoyed the projects constructed in the Rocky Mountains. It was during this time that he took a liking to being called "The Old Man." He remained a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 9 the rest of his life. A family activity of snowmobiling led Jim to purchase a Polaris snowmobile dealership. Later, as Jim was contemplating retirement he started another business - Wayside Welding. Jim had many interests that included fishing, organic gardening, canning, cooking, baking (to satiate his sweet tooth), and feeding birds and befriending stray cats. Jim will be most remembered for his humorous storytelling and his keen intellect. He was gregarious and a character in the truest sense of the word. He kept informed on worldwide, current events and split his fan loyalties between the Minnesota Vikings and the Denver Broncos. In 1979, Jim married Daryl Leonard in Longmont, CO, at which time he became interested in, and supportive of, Daryl's business of antique dealing. When the time came to retire they moved to Osakis, MN, where they enjoyed fishing and traveling. Jim had a special fondness for the Osakis area where he spent the summers of his youth working at U Lik Um Resort, which was owned by his aunt and uncle. Jim was a kind and caring husband, father, brother, and friend who will be dearly missed.

Left to mourn his passing are his children Janet Lee of Denver, James J. (Kathy) Danzl of Longmont, CO, Julie (Al) Stoupa of Berthoud, CO, and JoAnn Thomas (Juan Aviles) of Longmont, CO; a stepson, David (Pat) Leonard of Denver and a stepdaughter, Robin (Dennis) Korn of Morrison, CO, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters LaVerne Schille, LaDonna Reisdorf, Darlene Heltemes, and Mary Conrad; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Daryl, a stepson Robert Leonard, and two brothers, Robert Danzl and Leo Danzl.

Jim's family wishes to thank his close friends and neighbors in Osakis, who made it possible for Jim to enjoy an independent lifestyle in his home. Your friendship meant the world to him.

Graveside services are on Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m. at the Gordon Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Todd County, MN. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 4 p.m. at the home of Rod and Kristi Flynn's in Osakis.

Arrangements by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN.