Marvin "Dan" Arthur Danielson

Marvin "Dan" Arthur Danielson, 98, of Naples, FL, passed away on September 7, 2024.

Dan was born on July 14, 1926, at St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond, IN, to Marvin and Virginia (Fouts) Danielson. 

Surviving are his children, Mark Andrew (Linda) Danielson of La Porte and Debra (Steve) DeVitt of Marshfield, WI; stepchildren, Kathy Murphy, John (Beth) Murphy, and Terry (Maryann) Murphy; grandchildren, Samantha (Neil) Hackett, Mitchell Danielson, Andrew (Erin) Mason, Max Mason, and Marie (Corey) Slater; stepdaughter-in-law, Judy Murphy; and numerous great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Joann "Jody" Danielson and Peggy Danielson; and stepson, Peter Murphy. 

Dan was a permanent resident of La Porte, Indiana from 1929-1997. He graduated from La Porte High School in 1944. Dan proudly served in the US Navy from 1944-1946 during WWII. He then attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, from 1946-1950 graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with 2 minors in Economics and Mathematics.

On April 26, 1952, Dan married Joann Donaldson who preceded him in death on February 4, 1994. They had two children together, Mark and Debra. He was remarried on September 15, 1995, to Margaret "Peggy" Lane Murphy who preceded him in death in 2021.

Dan was a 3rd generation full-time employee of Larson-Danielson Construction Company, Inc. He was President from 1968-1990, Chairman of the Board from 1990-1992, and retired on June 30, 1992. Dan was initiated in Phi Delta Fraternity on June 13, 1947, and admitted to their "Golden Legion" after 50 years in 1997. He was a Bricklayer Apprentice from 1950-1954 and carried his Life Gold Card receiving his 50-year membership pin in August of 2000. Dan served on the Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors of Indiana from 1964-1966. He was the President of the La Porte-Porter Contractors Association from 1968-1982. Dan was Trustee for the Indiana State Plasterers & Cement Masons Health & Welfare Fund from 1960-1964, Trustee for the Indiana State Plasterers & Cement Masons Pension Fund from 1962-1964, Trustee of the Lake County District Council of Carpenter Health & Welfare Fund from 1959-1973 and Chairman from 1969-1970, Trustee of the Lake County District Council of Carpenters Pension Fund from 1962 -1975 and Chairman from 1966-1975.

Dan served the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) as Vice-Chairman from 1975-1981, Secretary from 1982-1992, and Alternate Secretary Treasurer from 1992-2002. He was on the Board of Directors of the La Porte Hospital from 1982-1989 and the First National Bank & First of America Bank of La Porte from 1984-1991.

He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in La Porte until 1995 where he participated as a vestryman, a warden, a chairman on the endowment committee. Dan became a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in La Porte in 1995. In Florida in 1996, he became a member of San Marco Catholic Church.

Dan was a member of the Masonic Lodge #41, F & A.M. from 1952-1995 and the Scottish Rite Lodge of South Bend from 1954-1995. He was a past member of La Porte Chamber of Commerce and B.P.O. Elks Lodge #396 in La Porte.

He loved to travel, golf, and drive fast cars. Dan enjoyed a good glass of wine and a happy hour cocktail.

Although a great businessman and mentor, Dan always put family first. He was a very loving husband, father, and grandfather. Family meant everything to him and he thoroughly enjoyed his time with them. Those that had the honor to know and love him, will greatly miss him.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Deacon Frank Zolvinski officiating.

A time of visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family c/o Mark Danielson, 2900 Monroe St., La Porte, IN 46350 or to the donor's choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.