CLEAR LAKE — Ronald “Ron” Gene Daniels, 87, of Clear Lake, died Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Avenue North in Clear Lake, with Mark Doebel officiating. Visitation will begin one hour before the service at the chapel. The obituary does not list a burial or interment location.
Ron was born March 1, 1939, in Ledyard, Iowa, the son of Claus and Lena (Krominga) Daniels. He graduated from Fertile High School in 1957.
He married Sharon Purcell, and the couple became parents to five children, Bruce, Susanne, Shelly, Shawn and Tim. Ron later married Terri Christians, adding Stephanie and Karen to his family as bonus daughters.
Hard work was a constant throughout Ron’s life. He spent 41 years working at the Clear Lake Bakery. Even after retiring from the bakery, he remained active in the workforce, spending another three years at Camp Tanglefoot.
Away from work, Ron found happiness in the outdoors and in time spent with those closest to him. He enjoyed relaxing with Terri on their deck and watching life unfold on the lake. Fishing was a favorite pastime, and Ron and his friends could be found pursuing fish throughout the year.
Ron and Terri also enjoyed traveling together, including memorable journeys to the East Coast. His family remembers a man whose life centered around family, friendship, work, fishing and the quiet enjoyment of Clear Lake. He was also known for his generosity and willingness to support worthwhile causes.
Ron is survived by his wife of 38 years, Terri; children Susanne (Chris Cash) Kemmerer, Shelly (Henry) Savoy, Shawn Frerichs and Tim (Danette) Daniels; bonus daughters Karen (Tab) Orbaker and Stephanie Richards; brother-in-law Doug (Sandy) Marston; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claus and Lena Daniels; his son, Bruce, who died in infancy; brother Duke; sisters Evelyn Humburg, Lavohn Eliason and Ruby Humburg; father- and mother-in-law Bill and Mary Beehner; brothers-in-law Ken Humburg, George Eliason and Don Humburg; nieces Sally Humburg and Vickie DiLocker; nephew Craig Humburg; and great-granddaughter Cole Lexus Larson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Croix Hospice or another charity chosen by the donor in Ron’s memory.
Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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