Daniel Warnberg passed from this world on January 3, 2024 at the age of 79 surrounded by his loving family. Caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Dan’s love didn’t come to an end with his death. His family and friends will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Dan lived large and was most thankful for his family and circle of friends. He had an uncanny ability to make strangers feel like instant friends, could tell a story like no other, and was always the first to laugh at himself. Dan’s sense of humor, kindness, and authenticity were appreciated by all who met him.
An accomplished athlete, he was proud to score 46 points in a single basketball game at Braham High School in 1962; a school record held for 48 years. In 1965, Dan was recruited and chased his dream signing with the Baltimore Orioles Baseball Team. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 and was stationed in Korea with I CORPS where he played baseball and basketball entertaining the troops. He continued to be a dedicated athlete, managing to play softball until he was 60.
Dan completed his Bachelor’s degree in teaching at the Saint Cloud State University and taught and coached at Melrose, MN for 10 years, and at St. Francis, MN for 12 years until retiring in 2002 saying he had the best job in the world.
Dan and Gena, wife of 55 years, traveled extensively after retirement enjoying road trips across the United States and traveling abroad to Europe with family and friends. Dan encouraged others to retire early and spend money to travel.
He will forever be remembered as the life of the party.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Nilmer and Louise Warnberg. Dan is survived by his wife, Gena; daughters Traci Warnberg-Lemm of Cambridge and Micki (Nathan Moore) Warnberg of Denver, CO; grandson Kaeden Warnberg-Lemm of Salt Lake City; brother Neil Warnberg of Cambridge, and close cousins Mary (Rick) Hultman, Kevin (Barb) Danielson, Steve (Karen) Dopson, Craig (Candi) Danielson, and David (Debbie) Dopson.
A gathering to celebrate Dan will be held later in the spring 2024.
David Anderson says
Gena and family:
So sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Lot of good memories of when I taught with him in Melrose.
Bobby Galoway says
Sorry to hear to hear about Dan’s passing. I worked with Dan for a number of years in the Melrose school system. He was a good and funny individual. He will be missed.
Darwin and Marlene Nelson says
Gena and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Dan and he will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Love and hugs to all
Marlene and Darwin
Michele Kraft says
I am so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He and Neil were such a key part of my mother’s, Jane Nelson (Warnberg) early years. She felt like they were brothers. Visiting as a child, being very shy, I always felt welcomed warmly in your home.
Thank you.
Deepest sympathy to all,
Michele Victoria Helen Kraft
Sandi Carlson says
We were so sorry to hear of Dan’s death. Please know that you and your family will be in our prayers.
Sandi and Bruce Carlson
Rick Nystrom & Deborah Nystrom says
Gena and family we are so sorry. We have many fond memories of Dan and his smile and sense of humor that always made us laugh.
Scott and Julie says
Gena and family we send our deepest condolences and prayers for comfort.. we have such fun memories of Danny.. he always lighted up the room and made everyone laugh and smile just being himself.. you were truly blessed with a wonderful man.. Love the Glidden family 💕
kenneth m ness says
I graduated with Dan, and was there at that famous basketball game.At lunch break at school we’d go to what we called Grell’s garage, Dan sure liked his Mars bars. Rest in peace Danny.
Tom Herges says
He certainly was the life of the party. Lots of pranks with him and against him. That smile was the greatest. Smiling down on us as we nail paper plates to your picnic table and jacking up his mustang. Great memories. Another ironic tidbit the name of the funeral home is the same as his nickname. Hugs to you Gena
Deb Klaphake says
Gena and family. My deepest condolences to all of you. I hope your memories will bring many smiles to your faces and joy in your heart. Mine sure do. We had so many great times in Melrose. Heaven has gained a good one and the Roadrunners are gaining numbers up there. I’m pretty sure every inning is being relived. Wonder if Dan is making pizza?😊
May God wrap you in his loving arms and you feel his strength and peace
Shirle Hiltner says
Gena and family,
my thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to heal from the loss of Dan, 💔💔
Joe Timmins says
We were saddened to hear of Dan’s death. He was the life of the party. We offer our sincere condolences. May he rest in Peace.
Krista O’Connor says
Such a beautiful journey you have had together as a family. You have so many special moments and memories! Praying you feel peace and love! Sending hugs!
Melanie Edmonds says
I’m so sorry and thinking of you all. My memories are of Dan smiling and laughing and loving life.
Nikki Van Thiel says
Dan will be so missed and my memories will always be of so much laughter and immediate love and affection. He made me feel like part of the family at our first meeting and every time after that. My heart hurts for you all at this loss and is also filled with love and happiness that I got to know him. He was one of a kind.
Marilyn Kays Klinger says
What a shock to receive this information. I am so sorry to hear the news. I have such wonderful memories of Gena and Dan. Dan was an entertainer. The world has lost a good one.
Rebecca Gabrielson says
Traci, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Sending you love.
Barry Schneider says
Gena, Traci, Micki .
The love he had for you will be there when you need it the most.
The calm, shy Danno.
Connie Jensen says
To all the Warnberg family and friends, sorry to hear of Dan passing. I will keep every one in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan and Neil was our neighbors growing up.
Don and Dori Mullins says
Gena and Family,
Dori and I So sorry to hear about Danny passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Danny was a good friend and a part of the Tuesday Bakery Coffee Gang as well as Niel, Ricky, and Kenny. He certainly could tell a good story, a joke and was just nice to be around. We had a lot of good times and conversations over the years. He will surely be missed by all of us, and I am so glad I had the chance to talk to Danny a few weeks ago at coffee. May God and friends help make each day easier during this trying time for you and your family!
JIM PLOOF AND CAROLYN PLOOF says
Gena and Family –
We ae so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was a dear friend during those years in Melrose. So many wonderful memories. Hundreds of softball games, lots of golf, and many early morning raquetball games at the old clinic basement. He was always there to help anyone with whatever he could, and we never saw him without a smile on his face. He was also the best ever “Ed” in our old Karnak act. :o) What a wonderful athlete he was, but more importantly just an overall wonderful guy. We will forever cherish the letter he sent recently. As with anyone fortunate to have known him, memories of him we will always make us smile. What better thing can anyone leave behind?
Cyns Nelson says
Micki and Family,
I wish I had more visits with Dan — and I know you all wish for more time together. I genuinely loved meeting him … and feel confident I could have made him a soccer fan (my plan to lure you all back to Abbey Tavern!). Micki, at your wedding Dan commented on the importance of friends; I think he was impressed by your ability to draw people into your orbit, holding them with care and kindness, fun and friendship. Maybe the apple didn’t fall far from the tree? Sending my love and support to everyone there in Minnesota.
Duane halvorson says
Great athlete and an even better man. I am sure he is resting in peace now.
Len Messerschmidt says
So sad to learn of Dan’s passing. I worked with Dan while he was at St. Francis. Dan was a one of a kind! Always smiling, laughing and with stories to tell. My condolences to the entire family.
While at St.Francis he worked with students who had gotten in trouble in school. At that point I called him Warden Warnberg. Rest in peace Warden!
Charles Giffrow says
My condolences to the family always was a pleasure to run into Dan that smile of his said it all. Loved our time in open gym may God bless ya Dan
Mary Horner says
Dear Gena, Traci, and Micki,
We are so sorry for your loss. So much goodness, kindness, joy, laughter, radiant smile, and light-hearted spirit exhibited in Dan. I have memories of observing Dan as he sat with his big heart and smile and watched as family and friends enjoyed one another at the Findell cabin and I could just feel his joy. Italy was another one of those times Dan closely watched and participated in with family and friends enjoying every minute (especially hanging out the laundry)! 😃 I can only imagine just as he lived his life to the fullest so were his dying days, hard, but not without joy and love at all he had. May he now be resting in peace from a life well lived and his new life filled with as much joy as he brought to all he touched. God bless you Dan and your beautiful family.
With Love,
Mary and Don Horner
Patty Helmbrecht Libra (John Sandy’s daughter) says
Dear Gena and family.
I just saw the notice that Danny has died. I am so sorry for your loss of a husband, father, grandfather and brother. I will always look back on the friendship amongst Danny, Neil, my stepfather John Sandy, and the other men from their youth. They knew and lived a close supportive friendship that started in elementary school and lasted through the years. I have memories of the baseball games at the old Mets stadium. I feel honored to have been a small parts of the love they showed one another.
Danny and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. God’s blessings be upon you. Patty Helmbrecht Libra