Daniel Mark Newton, age 70, was called home to Heaven on May 9, 2020. Dan was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 12, 1949 to Wilmer D. and Evelyn S. (Arntson) Newton. He grew up in the Robbinsdale area of the Twin Cities and graduated from high school in 1967. Dan earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota – Mankato in 1971, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Sociology and American History. On May 3, 1968, he went on a first date with Rhonda Jo Fister, and that date lasted for fifty years. Dan and Rhonda were joined in marriage on September 5, 1970 at the LeRoy Lutheran Church in LeRoy, MN. Following their college graduation in 1971, Dan worked for 22 years as a National Trainer and Sales Representative for Syntex Laboratories. In 1995, he began working at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, serving as the Business Manager for the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. At the time of his retirement, he managed Special Studies and Commercial Accounts for Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Dan and Rhonda built their home and family in LeRoy, MN, where Dan was active in both community and church. He was very proud to have served the community of LeRoy as a firefighter and chief of the volunteer fire department. Dan loved spending time in the great outdoors, snowmobiling “Up North” in the winter, bicycling into town with his family for ice cream on a hot summer day, and boating on the beautiful northern lakes. He had an appreciation for all vehicles, and he meticulously cared for each and every one he owned, most recently his Ford Mustangs. Dan cherished his trips with family and friends, and he enjoyedtraveling throughout North America, both by train and auto. He was a blessing to his friends and family with his kind heart, thoughtful actions, and love of laughter. Dan was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and his enthusiasm for life created priceless family memories that will last forever. Many a family gathering at home or at the lake started with “Grandpa’s Pancakes,” and the rest of the day would be filled with water activities in the pool or the lake.
Dan is survived by his wife, Rhonda of LeRoy, MN; children Jennifer (Colin) Boysen of Rochester, MN, Jessica (Andrew) Elofson of St. Peter, MN, and Christopher (Kristen) Newton, of North Branch, MN; grandchildren Nicholas, Madeline, Olivia, Ashley, Emma, and Nora; brother Dr. Charles (Linn) Newton; nieces Dr. Alisa Newton and Courtney Stokes; and mother-in-law Pauline Fister. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer “Newt” and Evelyn Newton and his father-in-law Roger Fister.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.” Matthew 25:23
A Memorial Service to celebrate Dan’s life will be planned at a later date when family and friends are once again able to gather.
