Daniel Maidl

Daniel Max Maidl, 67, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully at his home on December 6, 2025. Those who loved Dan - and there were many - take comfort knowing he left this world exactly the way he lived in it: cared for, surrounded by love, and probably thinking about what project he wanted to tackle next.

Dan was born on January 14,1958, to Glendon and Ione Maidl in Waseca, MN, and moved with his family to Rochester as a child. After graduating from John Marshall High School, he went on to attend North Dakota State University, majoring in Horticulture. He returned to Rochester and worked at several greenhouses before buying Country Green lawncare company. He poured his heart into the business, becoming known for his honesty, hard work, and commitment to going above and beyond for his clients. After more than a decade, Dan chose to sell the company and began working as a groundskeeper at the Foundation House at Mayo Clinic. In 2022, after 20 years at Mayo, Dan retired to focus on the things he treasured most - his family, his many projects, and the cabin.

While volunteering with the Rochester Jaycees in the early 80s, Dan met the love of his life, Laurie Radke, and quickly set about winning her heart - finding any reason to show up at her apartment and even climbing up her second-floor balcony on occasion to surprise her. On September 10,1983, Dan and Laurie were married in Minnesota Lake, MN, embarking on 40 years of adventures together. Together, they raised three children - Derrick, Elizabeth, and Kaitlyn - who Dan bragged about, coached, and cheered on with unwavering pride. Coaching became one of Dan's greatest joys. With his daughter Liz, he helped form the first independent Century High School Girls Hockey Team in 2006. He coached the team for nine seasons - skating alongside the girls even after a below-the-knee amputation in 2011. The team, and the athletes he coached, remained one of his proudest accomplishments. After retiring from coaching, Dan and Laurie purchased a cabin on Woman Lake, which became their little slice of heaven. Dan loved having the whole family there together - long days on the pontoon, games in the yard, and quiet evenings by the fire. The birth of his first grandson, Brooks, in 2024 brought Dan immense joy. He adored "his boy," spoiling him with toys and rides on the golf cart, and showing pictures to everyone, he met.

Dan never met a stranger and could brighten any room with his smile and unmistakable laugh. His favorite pastime in retirement was meeting with friends over a meal - something he could do endlessly thanks to a lifetime of friendships. His children always knew he was thinking of them when he sent a "great deal" he found on Facebook Marketplace - that they didn't really need. Dan was a fighter through and through, meeting every challenge with strength, resilience, and the stubborn determination his family knew well. After Laurie passed in 2024, he carried her memory in everything he did. We take comfort in knowing they are together again, missed endlessly but ready for another adventure together.

He is survived by his children - Derrick (Jess), Liz (John), and Kaitlyn (Blake); his grandson, Brooks; his siblings - Glenda (Terry) Lind and Charlie (Tina Snesrud) Maidl; his in-laws - Larry and Donna Radke, Scott (Jan) Radke, Linda (Oz) Osmundson, Brenda (Tim) Plummer, and Steve (Sheila Michels) Radke, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laurie, and his parents, Glendon and Ione Maidl.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 13th at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. Visitation will start at 11:00 am and the service will begin at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Purple (https://www.projectpurple.org/).

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be servings the Maidl family.