Neil Danielson
Neil Danielson, 69, of Worden, Montana, passed away on December 28, 2022, with his family by his side. He was born on October 13, 1953, to Duane and Jean in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 1972, where he wrestled and was ranked 4th in the state. After graduation, he moved to Billings, Montana, and became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He had two sons, Pat and Tim during this time from a previous marriage. He was a member of the IBEW for many years. Throughout his career, he worked for many electrical contractors, retiring from Reddi Electric in 2005.
He met the love of his life, Tammy, and started their lives together on Christmas Eve in 1987. They married on May 26, 1990, where he became a dad to Tammy’s son, Brandon. They lived in Ballantine and had their only daughter, Stephanie in 1993. Shortly after, they moved to Tammy’s family farm in Worden and built their forever home.
Neil was a man who enjoyed many things in life. He loved working on the farm, swathing and raking hay and pushing corn, with his brother-in-law, Larry. He loved many sports: hockey, wrestling, skiing, bowling, golf, and cheering on the Denver Broncos. But he especially loved fastpitch softball and played for numerous teams for many years. He then coached Little League in Worden until they got a high school team at Huntley Project, where he coached alongside his best friend, the late Jim Knapp for 14 years. His love of the game was passed down to his daughter. He had a love for animals, especially his dogs. He spent a lot of time with them during his retirement over the years. He also liked to tinker and was always thinking of ways to try and make things more efficient.
His family was his first love and classic muscle cars were his second. He often talked about the many classic cars he owned, wished he still had, and all of the time he spent racing 8th Street in Rapid City. He spent a lot of time at car shows throughout the years, his favorite being every Wednesday night in the summer at RaRa’s with his 1973 Corvette, surrounded by his friends.
Neil is preceded in death by his dad Duane, his mom Jean, his nephew Chris Vaughn, granddaughter Samantha Fox, and mother-in-law Esther Fox. He is survived by his wife Tammy of 32 years, daughter Stephanie (Alex), son Brandon Fox (Kolbi), Tim Willis (Michelle), Patrick Willis (Christy), and all nine grandchildren: Alex, Taryn, Kieran, Caden, Kael, Kyleigh, Gabe, Gavin, and Blake. He is also survived by his siblings: brother Terry (Mari), brother Jeff (Patty), sister Pam (Kevin), sister Brenda (Jay) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on January 6th, 2023 at the Cremation and Funeral Gallery with burial to follow after at Ballantine Pleasantview Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at Homesteader Hall.
Memorial donations can be made to the Rimrock Foundation at 1231 North 29th Street in Billings, Montana in lieu of Neil.
A special thanks to Dr. Duvall, Dr. Hazin, and the 4th Floor Comfort Care Team at Billings Clinic for taking the very best care of Neil.
We love you and will miss you, but will see you in a minute.
