Daniel Hunter

Daniel James Hunter, 71, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 26 at Methodist Hospital after a short but courageous fight with esophageal cancer.

He was born to Howard and Phyllis (Kotlaba) on April 7, 1955. He grew up and graduated from Blooming Prairie in 1973. He worked various manufacturing jobs, Bowman Tool Machine in Rochester, Tri Star Manufacturing in Kasson, Goodin Co. in Rochester and most recently at Hearth and Home in Lake City.

He married Mary Jo Hunter (Nelson) on November 12, 1983. The two had a daughter Abrina Rae Hunter on October 16, 1985. Dan was Mary's caretaker when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and up until her passing in 2008.

Dan was given a second shot at love when he met Nancy Jensen (Burt) in 2008. From then on the two were inseparable. They made so many wonderful memories traveling to their favorite spot, Grand Marias, The Buffalo Round up in Custer State Park, going antiquing and the most meaningful memories with their merged families. Dan's most prized memories were those made with his grandson Bauer, playing with race cars, fishing, and most recently watching Bauer develop a love for the sport of golf, just like he did.

Dan had a love for guns and anything to do with them. He enjoyed building, cleaning and of course shooting them. He was also an avid fisherman and went to the fishing opener every year for 50 years with his beloved cousins.

Dan was survived by his life partner Nancy Jensen, his daughter Abrina (Brandon) Trom, his sister Lynn Hunter and his grandson Bauer Trom. He is also very loved by Nancy's 3 daughters and her grandchildren, who he thought of and loved as his own.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Mary Jo Hunter and his parents Howard and Phyllis Hunter.

A celebration of life will be held at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home on Friday, July 31, from 5 to 8 PM.

The family would like to thank the Oncology staff at the Mayo Clinic for all the support and care during the treatment of Dan's cancer diagnosis.

As Dan always said, "Life is good".