Daniel Leroy Sommervold

Daniel (Dan) LeRoy Sommervold, age 66, of Mankato, formerly of Granite Falls, passed away on October 15, 2021, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Mankato, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Northview ~ North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive in North Mankato, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be sent to their local food shelf or the COPD Foundation.

Daniel LeRoy Sommervold was born on April 1, 1955, to Elroy and Ardis (Cornelson) Sommervold in Duluth, Minnesota. Dan had fond memories of playing with his brothers and cousins as a little boy in the area that is now Canal Park in Duluth. His family relocated to the Ruthton area when Dan was in sixth grade. He graduated from Ruthton High School in 1973.  Dan was united in marriage to Bev (DeVos) Gilbertson on May 26, 1985. Dan and Bev made their home in many places over the years, home was always where his family was.

Dan enlisted in the United States Army on March 1, 1976.  He served in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tacoma, Washington, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and did two tours in Germany, one of which was during Desert Storm. Dan served in the Honor Guard in Colorado Springs, served as part of the joint service Field Command Defense Nuclear Agency, Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, and later in his military career he worked as a personnel supervisor. He retired as a Sargent in the 1st battalion 6th infantry.   

After retiring from the army, Dan worked as a package delivery driver for United Parcel Service both in the Alexandria and Granite Falls areas.  He was member of the Local 638 Teamsters Union.  Dan really enjoyed all the people he met out on the route each day. He was a huge dog lover who would remember the names of all the dogs on the route and was sure to pass them all a “cookie” when he brought the humans their packages.

Dan was an avid sports fan all his life.  He loved to watch all the Twins and Vikings games. He always said he was not a “fair weather fan” but one who loved to watch and discuss the games win or lose. Dan was a music lover who enjoyed listening to Rock and Blues.

Dan loved spending time with his family and friends.  He had a terrific sense of humor that was loved by all he encountered. Dan will always be remembered as not only a great leader, but also as a great father and brother. Dan will be forever missed and always remembered.

Dan is survived by his wife of 36 years, Bev; son, Jeff (Stephanee) Gilbertson of Las Vegas, Nevada and daughter, Stephanie Sommervold of Mankato; siblings, Barb (Steve) Snickers, Pat (Bill) McLain, Sandra (Gary) Wozniak, Jacque Kunze, Bob (Lin) Sommervold, Randy Sommervold, Linda Burch, and Jody (Penny) Sommervold; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gary “Herman” Sommervold, brother-in-law, Ken Burch, and nephew, Josh Sommervold.