Gerald Armour Danielson

Gerald Armour Danielson STAVANGER - Mr. Gerald Armour Danielson, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at Walnut Grove Nursing home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's disease. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 2 at the Stavanger Lutheran Church with the Rev. Philip Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Stavanger Cemetery. American Legion Post 457 will fold and present the flag. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 1 at Osborne Nelson Funeral Home in Seneca, and one hour prior to services at the church. He was born on December 31, 1929 to Armour and Edith (Bentley) Danielson of Marseilles, IL. Gerald was raised and educated in rural Marseilles, graduating with the Class of 1947 from Seneca Township High School. He served in the United States Army from 1951-1953. On August 18, 1957 he married Ruth Anne Matteson at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Morris. Together, they raised their family until her death in 2004. He was a lifelong resident of the Stavanger area where he proudly displayed his Norwegian heritage and ran his business, Danielson Electric. Over the years he served his community in many ways. He was a member of Stavanger Lutheran Church, serving on the council and as a member of the Stavanger Homebuilders. He was also a dedicated board member and president of the Milton Pope School in Miller Township. He continued that service on many regional school boards and local zoning committees. His passions included flying, his family history, and an uncompromised work ethic. He took joy in sharing stories from his life with his friends and loved ones. Over the years, photography became a hobby and he chronicled special memories in many albums and family videos. Surviving are his children; Deborah (Bruce) Baker of rural Verona, Geoffrey (Susan) Danielson of Tuscola, Wesley Danielson of Stavanger and Melissa (Robert) Durkin of Morris; seven grandchildren, Christine and Zachary Danielson, Lt. Jason (Carolyn), Dan and Matt Baker, and John and Katie Durkin. He is also survived by two brothers, Roger (Evelyn) Danielson of Marseilles, and Donald (Nancy) Danielson of Benton, KY along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth, his parents and one sister, Ruth Hinshaw of Bloomington, IL. Pallbearers will be Dan, Ryan, and Kent Danielson, and Jim, Jerry, and Dale Hinshaw. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rudy Maierhofer, Raymond "Buzz" Timmons, Rick Timmons, Bob Holverson, and Russ Jorstad. Memorials may be directed to the Stavanger Lutheran Church, Grundy Community Hospice or Joliet Area Hospice.