Daniel Crandall

DANIEL ROBERT CRANDALL July 23, 1953 - April 3, 2015 Daniel Robert Crandall, age 61, a long time Osage, MN area resident, passed from this life into eternal life as the sun rose on Good Friday, April 3, 2015 in the comfort of his home in the woods north of Osage surrounded by his loved ones following a valiant battle against cancer. Dan was born on July 23, 1953 in Park Rapids, MN to Robert and Ardeth (Blanchard) Crandall. He began his public school education at the Osage Public School until his parents moved from Osage to the Twin Cities where he attended metro area schools, graduating from the Centennial High School in Circle Pines, MN with the Class of 1971. As a young man, Dan joined into a partnership with his dad, uncle and cousin insulating homes throughout the region. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Debra Sue Leckie on September 2, 1972 and their marriage was blessed with a son, Lance. After some years of traveling away from home and his family insulating houses, Dan decided to leave the business, and return to Osage where he could spend more time with his young wife and son. He started his own carpentry business in the Osage and Park Rapids areas. Dan quickly built up a good business as word spread about his beautiful craftsmanship, good work ethic and his easy going manner. In addition to his work, Dan invested much of his life in coaching youth involved with Park Rapids Hockey. Dan was gifted at motivating his young athletes to perform at very high levels and truly impacted their lives for good with his strong mentoring and leadership abilities. He also taught youth gun safety certification and served as a snowmobile safety instructor. A number of years ago, Dan started driving school bus where his encouraging spirit and sharp humor would bring smiles and brighten the days of each of his students. For over forty years, Dan would set aside several weeks each early fall to spend with his sweetie, Deb, in the BWCA wilderness area canoeing and portaging into the deep wilderness so that they could have special alone time to renew their love and commitment for each other. He also loved to hunt and fish because of his love for the outdoors; but, also because he loved being alone with God in his incredible creation. Dan's love for the outdoors made it a natural for him to serve as President of the Osage Sportsman Club where he emphasized instilling a love for the outdoors and good sportsmanship in area youth. He was very involved with the implementation of "Take a Kid Fishing Day" in Osage. Dan had no greater joy or priority than spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. Above all, Dan devoted his life to his precious wife, Deb, who he affectionately called "Binky"; his son, Lance (of whom he was so proud) and his wife, Tricia, and his dear grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. Dan's memory will be forever cherished by his wife, Debra; his son, Lance (Patricia) of Osage; his three grandchildren: Jordan age 14, Joshua age 12 and his little princess, Haley Sue age 4; his father, Robert (Linda) Crandall of Long Prairie, MN; his three sisters: Nadine Arvidson of Dallas, TX, Norine (Denny) Russell of TX and Nanette (Rob) Clifford of Seattle, WA; his two brothers: Robert (Diana) Crandall of Brainerd and David (Tina) Crandall of Staples; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ardeth in December of 1998 and his grandparents. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Paul Mckibben officiating. Dorothy Crook will be the pianist. The soloist will be Dana Johnson who will sing, "I Am Not Alone" and "Just Give Me Jesus". The casket bearers will be: Jason Beaulieu, Josh Evans, Chad Crandall, Todd Peters, Greg Clifford and Erik Arvidson. The honorary casket bearers will be Dan, Deb and Lance's Angels of Mercy: Tricia Crandall, Vicki Leckie, Joann Christlieb and Linda Crandall. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted at the Faithbridge Church. Interment will be made in the Riverside Cemetery at Osage. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com