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Dan Mead

Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On October 1, 2018 @ 11:16 am In 2018,Obituaries | 22 Comments

WEB Dan Mead

At the age of 65, Dan Mead passed away peacefully, in the presence of his family, early Monday morning, October 1, 2018, at his home in Prior Lake, MN.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 5, from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and from 10 – 10:45 am prior to the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 6, at 11 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside. Dan’s pallbearers are the Scott County Sheriff’s Office Court Security Staff: John Kvasnicka, Keith Rozeboom, Gordy Klingbeil, Brian Studer, Lyle Svedahl, and Ken Dvorak. Honorary pallbearers are Scott Anderson, Mike Dudley, Don Ennenga, Merv Brenke, Steve Rost, Louis Steinhoff, Mark Hartman, Bob Forberg, Mike Cumiskey, Bret Krick, Daryn Kral, Marcus Hoffer, and Kayla Puncochar. He will be laid to rest at Credit River Catholic Cemetery, Prior Lake, MN.

On November 16, 1952, Daniel Gerard was born in Graceville, MN to parents Virgil and Georgia (Frey) Mead. He was the third of four children. Due to his father’s job, the family moved to several small towns in Minnesota, before settling their roots in Prior Lake in 1969. As a young boy, Dan enjoyed raising horses. He has fond memories of Carmel, Queeny and Ringo the colt. In Dan’s early teenage years, he even dappled in a garage band as the drummer. Many countless hours were also spent in assisting his parents in the family restaurant business. In high school, Dan participated in wrestling, football and track. He forever holds the record at Prior Lake High School for the 100-yard dash. (Because they switched to the 100-meter dash after several years!) Dan was a proud graduate of the Class of 1971.

Dan furthered his education at Moorhead State University, completing his law enforcement degree at Mankato State University. His first job was in the small town of Browns Valley, MN, as the Chief of Police. Months later he transferred to Worthington, MN, for a short time, before joining the Richfield PD for the next 33 years. Dan spent most of his career as a detective and was also involved with the SWAT Team. In 2009, Dan retired and started working for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. He stepped away from Scott County when he was offered his dream job as an investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). When he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, he returned to Scott County. Throughout his career, Dan had a strong desire to help people. He treated everyone in the community with respect and was proud of his service.

There was more to Dan than being a police officer. His greatest passion was family. At a small-town dance in Browns Valley, Dan reconnected with a first-grade classmate and neighbor, Renee Dehn, who he had not seen in 13 years. On October 17, 1975, they declared their love to each other at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead. Dan and Renee welcomed two children into their arms, Jason and Jennifer, before settling in Prior Lake in 1987. He relished being a dad and never missed any of their school or sporting activities. For many years, Dan was a Boy Scout Leader and Committee Chair.

Dan passed on his love for the outdoors to his children. Many weekends were spent tenting and exploring the state parks of Minnesota. He loved canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and backpacking in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana, among other places. In later years, Dan and Renee purchased 2 rustic cabins in Ely, MN, with no electricity or plumbing. They recently purchased a different cabin with the finer amenities. This time together was so special to him. Dan enjoyed fishing and was grateful to pass on this love to his grandchildren.

A man known for coffee and Snickers bars, Dan fought long and hard the last five years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Dan wants to be remembered as having deep Faith in God, strong commitment to his family, great love for the outdoors, and pride in his work. Forever loved and missed by wife, Renee; son, Jason (Ann) Mead and their children, Dominic, Clara, Laura, Kevin, Sara: daughter, Jennifer (Eric) O’Link and their children, Harrison, Adeline, Matthias; siblings, Steve (Sandy) Mead, JoAnn Mead, Marilyn Mead; other family and friends.

There to greet Dan in eternal peace are his parents, Virgil and Georgia Mead.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Mead family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com

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Condolences for the family of “Dan Mead”

Condolence from Tom Swanson on October 1st, 2018 6:51 pm

Thoughts and prayers to the family of Dan. He was a great man. He offered me lots of encouragement and advice on life while I worked with him at Richfield PD.

Condolence from Doug Forsman on October 2nd, 2018 1:33 pm

I worked with Dan at Richfield PD. He was a very good officer as well as role model to his coworkers. He was smart, fair, compassionate, and humble. In short, he was a good caring man who made a positive difference in people’s lives. My deepest condolences to Dan’s family on his passing.
Doug Forsman#118

Condolence from Lynn Sabbe on October 2nd, 2018 8:32 pm

Renee and family, my sincere prayers and thoughts are with you. I cherish the days that Dan, Mark and I had together at Moorhead.

Condolence from Lynn Sabbe on October 2nd, 2018 8:35 pm

My sincere prayers and condolences to the entire family. I cherish the days that Dan, Mark and I shared at Moorhead.

Condolence from Bob Wetherille on October 3rd, 2018 12:49 pm

Really enjoyed volunteering with him in Boy Scouts

Condolence from Sue & Brian McGrath on October 3rd, 2018 1:02 pm

To the Mead and O’Link families,

Our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of this husband, father, father in-law and grandfather. We didn’t know him well, but it was evident that family was very important to him as it is to you all. Prayers go out to you all as you mourn your loss and remember him with love.

Condolence from Mark and Kathy O’Connor on October 3rd, 2018 1:12 pm

We are so very sad to hear about Dan.
Mark and I spent a lot of time with Dan in High School and then Mark as his college roommate at College. Dan was a VERY special person and he no doubt will be so missed by those that have surrounded him. Our deepest condolences!

Condolence from Mike Nordmeyer on October 3rd, 2018 7:05 pm

Spent many nights camping with Dan in the Boy Scouts, including “Zero Hero” camps.. Dan was a super leader and a good role model for the Scouts..
Our Thoughts and Prayers for Dan’s Family..

Condolence from Lisa Motl on October 3rd, 2018 7:30 pm

To All Who Knew and Loved Him,
It’s very true that his character and dedication to family, friends and life touched many lives. I am deeply deeply saddened at the passing of Uncle Dan. You played a role in my life that made a positive difference.
Love Always,
Your Niece Lisa

Condolence from Jeannie Kratzer on October 3rd, 2018 11:15 pm

Oct. 3, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy to you Renee, Jenny, and Jason, and the whole Mead family, in the passing of Dan. It is so hard to loose someone who is loved so dearly. Family meant so much to him. He loved you so very much-his wife, kids, and grand kids and he loved showing it. He seemed to be a very special person, and I feel privileged to have known him. He was always grateful for prayers received in his fight with cancer. May God give you strength, comfort, and healing in this most difficult time.
Jeannie Kratzer, ( Eric O’Link’s Mom)

Condolence from Jeannie Kratzer on October 3rd, 2018 11:26 pm

Oct. 3, 2018.
My heartfelt sympathy to you Renee, Jenny, Jason, and the whole mead family. It is hard to loose someone you love so very much. Dan was very proud of his family and loved you all deeply – his wife, kids, and grand kids and loved showing it. Dan seemed to be a very special person, and I feel privileged to have know him. He appreciated prayers offered in his fight with cancer. May God strengthen, comfort, and heal you in your loss.
Jeannie Kratzer, (Eric O’Link’s Mom)

Condolence from Maria (Speiker) on October 4th, 2018 7:45 am

Jenny,

I am sad to hear that your dad died. I wish you peace as you grieve.

Condolence from Dave Kelley on October 4th, 2018 9:38 am

I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Dan at Richfield. He always had a great attitude, upbeat all the time. We missed him here at work and he will be greatly missed by everyone.

Condolence from Sgt. Dvorak on October 4th, 2018 9:39 am

In life we meet many different people, some good and others bad. Dan was one of the good ones and will be remembered as such. Because of that, a part of him will live with us and make us better.

Condolence from The Specialty Infusion Clinic Nurses and Staff – Methodist Hospital on October 4th, 2018 11:44 am

Renee and Family, We were so sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. He was a beloved patient and we thoroughly enjoyed caring for him over the years. He was always so kind, despite the physical battles he was enduring. His love for you, his kids and grandkids were the light of his life. He spoke so fondly of you all and it was obvious he cherished your family more than anything. We pray that you feel peace and grace during these difficult days. We were so glad he was able to pass peacefully at home surrounded by his family. No words will suffice for the void you must feel but know that we will continue to keep you in our hearts and prayers. Dan was a special patient and will be missed! Take care…

Condolence from Tom Fitzhenry on October 4th, 2018 7:29 pm

I will miss the smile of Richfield’s (Munchkin) Dan Mead. We may have teased him a bit about his size but we all knew if something happened to one of our kids we wanted Dan to be the investigator.

Condolence from Robert (Bob) Doeden on October 4th, 2018 9:04 pm

I have fond memories of working with Dan as police officers in Richfield Mn.
Special memories when he joined me flying around Mn. He was a wonderful friend

Condolence from Mary Jo leGrand on October 5th, 2018 10:19 am

I enjoyed Dan so much. He would come in my office every day he worked to “sneak” a piece of candy. He was always so positive and had a great outlook on life. I will miss him and know that he is finally pain free. My sympathies to his wife, children, and grandchildren. I know he will be missed greatly. Prayers to all.

Condolence from Eric Lammle on October 5th, 2018 3:08 pm

I worked with Dan as an investigator at Richfield PD. I’m sending a picture of Dan in 2008 with all the other people that worked with him in investigations so that his family can remember that time he had with us at Richfield PD. That is how I’ll remember Dan. What stood out to me was Dan’s incredible work ethic. Dan never took shortcuts. He was thorough in investigating everything assigned to him. Whether it was a minor theft or a homicide, Dan was relentless and never gave up. Dan was always available if you needed a hand or a source of reliable advice. I wish he had gotten more time to enjoy his retirement but I’m grateful for the time I shared with him at Richfield PD. Rest in Peace Detective Mead.

Condolence from Tom Blair on October 5th, 2018 5:26 pm

Dan was always a really descent guy. As a new officer he was easy to approach. He would offer good advice weather on the SWAT team, or working a case. He was one of the good guys and he will be missed, I am sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers, Tom Blair #130

Condolence from Charlie O’Brien on October 6th, 2018 3:03 pm

Raising my glass to Danny after watching him piped out of the church today. I am the man whose family benefited by Danny’s skill as an investigator. I owe him a debt I now cannot repay so my next best action is to toast his way! Slainte’ Danny!

Condolence from Bonnie Bowers Schmidt on October 8th, 2018 7:52 pm

I heard about Dan’s passing at church yesterday. I’m sorry we were out of town and could not attend his funeral. I grew up and went to school with “Danny” in Lake Park until they moved to Prior Lake. As it happens, I now live in Prior Lake as well. After many years I ran into him and Renee at our church and it was fun to catch up. I’ll never forget working at the Lake Park Cafe your parents owned. I was a waitress and I always made Dan make the shakes! In junior high some of us kids started a horse club where Dan was the only one with a horse. We were so serious about it but, of course, nothing ever came of it but we sure had fun planning. I did, however, get horses as an adult. That’s how we ended up moving to Prior Lake. I would have loved to have seen the Mead family once again. Thinking of you all.

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