Laurence Danielson

Laurence Ray Danielson (Larry) passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, at the age of 94. The son of Lutheran missionaries, he was born on June 22, 1930, in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), Africa. Larry spent much of his early life in Africa. After a family sabbatical in Lindsborg Kansas, he and his mother, along with his five siblings, survived the shelling of their ship, the ZamZam, by a German raider and had to return to the United States instead of joining their father in Africa. Larry graduated from Bethany College in June 1951 with a degree in history. It was at Bethany that he met his wife, Norma Jean Lindgren (Jean), and they were married on November 13, 1951. Shortly after their wedding, Larry returned to Camp Gordon in Georgia and later served as a 2nd Lieutenant in Korea. He was honorably discharged in October 1953. After his military service, Larry and Jean moved to Herrington, Kansas, where he began his teaching career. He taught math and history and coached football and basketball in Radium, Kansas. He concluded his teaching career in Kansas at Caldwell. During the summers of the 1950s and 1960s, Larry earned a Master's degree and ABD in education from the University of Colorado. In 1960, the family moved to Colorado, where Larry became a guidance counselor at Fairview High School. He remained at Fairview until June 1990, retiring as Associate Principal. After retiring, Larry worked at H&R Block until he retired a second time at the age of 84. Larry was very active in Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, serving as Sunday school superintendent and church council treasurer, and in the Optimist Club, where he held several offices. An avid bicycle rider, Larry rode the number of miles equal to his age on his birthday for many years, continuing to ride regularly into his 80s. In their retirement, Larry and Jean enjoyed several trips, including one to Africa, several to Europe, and visits to all 50 states. Larry cherished spending time with his grandchildren, whether in Colorado or Brussels, Belgium. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Danielson, Jan Osburn, and Linda Danielson (Christian Ritter), and his five grandchildren: Andrew, Jamie, and Elaina Osburn, and Martin and Nicole Ritter. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp or Doctors Without Borders. A celebration of life will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church on September 24 at 11:00.