Obituary for Andrew D. Danielson
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Daniel Danielson (Andy), age 88, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home in West Dundee, Illinois with his loving wife Donna by his side on Thursday, August 4, 2022.
Andy was born on October 18, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois to Andrew and Elvy (Lundstrom) Danielson. Andy was always a hard worker. After high school, he took business classes at Northwestern University while working at Peoples Gas and Illinois Central Railroad, tending the mail cars in the overnight shift. Andy joined the Air Force in 1954.
Andy had three children from his first marriage, Debi, John, and Cyndi. He was a devoted father with a busy schedule, but always made time for his kids on weekends.
In 1971, he was given orders for Vietnam duty. He received seven air medals for heroic missions, including the Distinguished Flying Cross which is the highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement. On one occasion, he and his crew flew close air support that resulted in the successful rescue of four downed crewmembers in Southeast Asia. He most enjoyed his time in Vandenburg Air Force Base where he was the commander of the Minute Man Missiles. He retired in 1974.
Andy was always a numbers man. So, when he returned to Chicago to care for his parents, he worked at Household Finance and then found a second career in the car business. He became the finance manager at Woodfield Ford. He later co-owned & operated Elgin Chrysler Plymouth until his retirement in 1987.
After his father passed, he met Donna LoBianco. On March 20, 1987, Andy and Donna were married. She was a package deal which included two children, Jeff and Jenny, and a golden retriever, Goldie. During their 35 years of marriage, Andy and Donna enjoyed life together and were the perfect illustration of unconditional love as they cared for one another and most enjoyed spending time with family.
Andy never met a stranger and was a natural storyteller. Friends and family would call to seek his advice for business, investments, and car purchases. Andy always took the time to help in any way he could. He had a genuine interest in all those who were blessed to know him.
He is survived by the love of his life, Donna Danielson, and children – Debra (John) Henno, John (Karen) Danielson, Cyndi Beaton, Jeffrey (Laura) Kvistad, and Jennifer (John) Gomoll. He is survived by eleven grandchildren: Lauren Henno, Johnny Henno, Kristin Henno, Megan (Kyle) Campbell, Andrew William Danielson, Abby Kvistad, Kyle Kvistad, Anna Kvistad, Jonathan Kvistad, Trevor Gomoll, and Colton Gomoll. He had one great grandchild, Chloe Campbell.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother who passed away shortly after birth.
A celebration of Andy’s life will take place on Thursday, August 11 at the Evangelical Covenant Church at 1565 Larkin Ave, Elgin, IL. A viewing will begin at 10:00 AM with a service at 11:00 AM followed by a military burial at River Valley Memorial Gardens on Route 31 next to Alexander’s Restaurant. Luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy’s memory to Vitas Healthcare or Honor Flight.
Vitas Healthcare
https://www.vitascommunityconnection.org
Honor Flight
https://www.honorflight.org
Andy was born on October 18, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois to Andrew and Elvy (Lundstrom) Danielson. Andy was always a hard worker. After high school, he took business classes at Northwestern University while working at Peoples Gas and Illinois Central Railroad, tending the mail cars in the overnight shift. Andy joined the Air Force in 1954.
Andy had three children from his first marriage, Debi, John, and Cyndi. He was a devoted father with a busy schedule, but always made time for his kids on weekends.
In 1971, he was given orders for Vietnam duty. He received seven air medals for heroic missions, including the Distinguished Flying Cross which is the highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement. On one occasion, he and his crew flew close air support that resulted in the successful rescue of four downed crewmembers in Southeast Asia. He most enjoyed his time in Vandenburg Air Force Base where he was the commander of the Minute Man Missiles. He retired in 1974.
Andy was always a numbers man. So, when he returned to Chicago to care for his parents, he worked at Household Finance and then found a second career in the car business. He became the finance manager at Woodfield Ford. He later co-owned & operated Elgin Chrysler Plymouth until his retirement in 1987.
After his father passed, he met Donna LoBianco. On March 20, 1987, Andy and Donna were married. She was a package deal which included two children, Jeff and Jenny, and a golden retriever, Goldie. During their 35 years of marriage, Andy and Donna enjoyed life together and were the perfect illustration of unconditional love as they cared for one another and most enjoyed spending time with family.
Andy never met a stranger and was a natural storyteller. Friends and family would call to seek his advice for business, investments, and car purchases. Andy always took the time to help in any way he could. He had a genuine interest in all those who were blessed to know him.
He is survived by the love of his life, Donna Danielson, and children – Debra (John) Henno, John (Karen) Danielson, Cyndi Beaton, Jeffrey (Laura) Kvistad, and Jennifer (John) Gomoll. He is survived by eleven grandchildren: Lauren Henno, Johnny Henno, Kristin Henno, Megan (Kyle) Campbell, Andrew William Danielson, Abby Kvistad, Kyle Kvistad, Anna Kvistad, Jonathan Kvistad, Trevor Gomoll, and Colton Gomoll. He had one great grandchild, Chloe Campbell.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother who passed away shortly after birth.
A celebration of Andy’s life will take place on Thursday, August 11 at the Evangelical Covenant Church at 1565 Larkin Ave, Elgin, IL. A viewing will begin at 10:00 AM with a service at 11:00 AM followed by a military burial at River Valley Memorial Gardens on Route 31 next to Alexander’s Restaurant. Luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andy’s memory to Vitas Healthcare or Honor Flight.
Vitas Healthcare
https://www.vitascommunityconnection.org
Honor Flight
https://www.honorflight.org