VanLear "Mort" Daniel

VanLear "Mort" Daniel, 73, of Winona died Friday, March 22, 2019 at his home. Van was born March 16, 1946 to Nadine Guthman in Winona. He grew up around Winona before entering the Navy at age 17, where he served 6 years. After the military, he started work as a machine operator at Peerless Chain. He routinely showed up to work an hour early. Mort was a model employee. After 46 years he retired from Peerless Chain and enjoyed 2 long years of relaxation before he decided to go back to work at Walmart. He enjoyed the work and loved the people he worked with like a second family.
Later in life Van married Bonnie Hornberg. The two had met through mutual friends and their two families became one. Their blended family was held together by the glue that is their love and Mort's sense of humor. He was the fun crazy dad. He was always good for a laugh or smile, unless you woke him up.
He enjoyed camping at Prairie Island for many years in his old RV. His children and great-grandchildren would often stop by for the afternoons and join him. He was definitely a fun grandpa. He looked forward to his yearly train trip to visit his brother and nephew in Montana.
VanLear is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; children, Machelle (Mike) Carney, Lisa (Don) Beck, Teri (Wesley Bleess) Daniel, Cheri (Jim) Williams, Keri (Loren) Salzwedel, Vicki (Chad) Brabbit, Roger (Tanya) Fegre; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (Sandy) McGill. He is preceded in death by his mother; twin sister, Jody; sister, Georgia.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 27 with visitation one hour prior at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. Military Honors will be provided by the Winona VFW, Post #1287. Private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery.