Daniel Gonsorowski, 92

Daniel Gonsorowski, who lived 92 years, passed away in his daughter's home in Breckenridge, MN, on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Daniel Jacob was born January 28, 1932, in Grand Forks County to Louis and Mary (Paschke) Gonsorowski, the seventh of nine children.

He grew up in Argyle, MN, attended his beloved country Shey Schoolhouse, graduating from Argyle High School in 1950. Daniel was an excellent student, a true lover of history, and an outstanding athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and track. He was named Athlete of the Century for Argyle, with offers to play for several universities, but proudly volunteered to serve his country. He chose to enlist in the US Army with six friends from Argyle on the same day at 18 years old. All six Gonsorowski brothers served their nation.

His military service began at Camp Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, departing from Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, on naval transport Gen. M. L. Hersey, turning 19 years old, crossing the Atlantic, porting in Bremerton and based in Ansbach, Germany. There isn't enough room to share his many memories and stories of Germany and Europe and his experiences in the military. He received an OCC Medal and a National Defense Medal during the Korean War, honorably discharged in January 1954.

For the next 10 years, he was a sheet metal worker, which brought him to Minot Air Force Base, Standard Oil Refinery in Mandan, Pacific Northern Railroad, and Minnesota's Iron Range, to name a few. An unbelievable adventure sent Daniel to Thule, Greenland, in 1959, where he built the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.

In 1962, Daniel joined his brother, Florian, in a partnership at Florian's Excavating in Grand Forks, ND.

Daniel met Therese Grant from Wisconsin one weekend when his sister, MaryAnn, brought Therese home to Argyle to visit family. Six months later, they were married on June 27, 1964, at St. Rose of Lima Church in Argyle. They made their home in rural East Grand Forks, where they raised their five children.

In 1972, he started Dan's Excavating, operating a successful business for 22 years. He was contracted with Grand Forks Traill County Water District and Agassiz Water Users, in addition to running countless miles of water and sewer lines for private, commercial, and agricultural farmers when rural water systems were expanding. On March 25, 1992, Daniel deeply mourned the loss of his wife, Therese. His children grown, Daniel sold Dan's Excavating in January 1994 to his longtime employee and friend, Steve Snyder. It continues to operate today. Dan served on the Huntsville Township board for nearly two decades.

In 2000, he moved to his property on Lake of the Woods, making great friends. In retirement, he loved fishing, hunting near Grygla at deer camp, growing a weed-free garden, snowmobiling, being an avid sprint car racing fan, and crossword puzzles. He also fulfilled a dream to travel to Rome.

In 2022, Daniel moved into his daughter Erin's home, where her family and his granddaughter, Reaghan, cared for him daily. His mind was sharp, his memory remarkable. People were drawn to him and his wisdom. He meant so much to so many people, and they meant so much to him in return.

A beloved father, a hard worker, a true patriot, and a good man: Pray for his soul.

He is survived by his children, Monica (Dan Crandall) Gonsorowski, Rita (Mustafa) Karakul, Kelly (Michelle) Gonsorowski, Karla (Wayne Safranski) Gonsorowski, Erin (Jay) Ovsak; grandchildren, Dayn and Reaghan Belfour, Derya Karakul, Ava, Hubert and Kade Gonsorowski, Aubrey Gonsorowski (Jimmy VandenHoek), Paul and Jack Safranski and Ivy, Sam and Holly Ovsak; great-granddaughter, Vienna VandenHoek; and in-laws, Betty Gonsorowski, Michelle Mock, Philip Grant, Josie Albrigtson, Kevin and Dayna Grant.

Dan was the last of his siblings, Leonard, Florian, Rose, Hubert, Edward, Joseph, MaryAnn and Conrad preceding him in death.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:30 AM, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN.
VISITATION: Monday evening, October 14, in the Church, from 5:00 PM; Prayer Service at 6:30 PM; and one hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks.
MILITARY HONORS: US Army Honor Guard & The East Grand Forks American Legion.

GUESTBOOK: www.DuBoreFuneralHome.com

ARRANGEMENTS BY DuBore Funeral Home of Warren, MN.