Daniel S. Koecher, age 67, lifelong resident of Duquette, MN died unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his home on Friday, July 5 ^th , 2019. He was born in Duluth, MN to Marvin and Evelyn (Young) Koecher on October 24 ^th , 1951.

Dan's parents raised he and his siblings in Duquette and he attended elementary school in Kerrick. A 1969 graduate of Askov High School, Dan's class motto was "life's victory won, now I can rest." After graduation, Dan began his career as a heavy equipment operator with BNSF Railroad, where he proudly worked for 42 years. He met Susan Karr in 1977; the two became married on March 24 ^th , 1979 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bruno. Dan built their home in Duquette where he and Susan raised their two boys. Alongside his father, Marvin, Dan built many other things including a post-hole digger, sawmill, a spiral staircase, and modernized the Duquette park by adding campsites and a ballfield. Dan and his father would also cut and haul over 300 Christmas trees to sister Karen's home in Illinois on Thanksgiving to be sold during the holiday season. The year 2011 brought retirement, allowing more time for the things Dan enjoyed most; exploring the outdoors, spending time with his friends and family, putting up square bales for his horse ladies, hobby farming, and sawing lumber at his very own sawmill. Dan will be remembered as a God-fearing, righteous Christian man who was passionate about working hard, sharing stories about the history of Duquette and surrounding areas, and being a friend to everybody.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Evelyn Koecher; and brother, Wayne Koecher.

Dan was a loving husband and will be dearly missed by his wife of 40 years, Susan. His legacy will live on through his sons, Bryan (Jessica) Koecher and John (Julie) Chilman; brothers, Bruce Koecher, Jerry Koecher, and Kevin (Mary) Koecher; sister, Karen (Daryl) Koecher-Zebrasky; grandchildren, Matthew Chilman, Micah Chilman, and Weston Koecher; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that Dan cherished.

A visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, July 10 ^th , 2019 at Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home in Moose Lake and will continue on Thursday, July 11 ^th , 2019 from 10am until the 11am funeral service at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN. Burial will be held immediately after in the Nickerson Community Cemetery, followed by a luncheon and time of sharing at the Nickerson Town Hall.