Colleen A. Danner

Colleen A. Danner, age 84 of Roseville, passed away July 14, 2024.

Preceded in death by beloved husband, Jim; parents, Earl and Margaret Clemment; and brother-in-law, Robert Johnson.

Survived by children, Joy Danner Lehman (Tim), Jane, and Paul (Claudia); grandchildren, Anne, Grace and Eric; sister, Patricia Johnson; and cousins, Gregg Wincell (Alex), Dale Wincell (Joni), Duayne Wincell, and Diane Stark.

Colleen grew up in Falcon Heights through Como Park Lutheran Church and Alexander Ramsey class of l958. She loved to camp and eat pork chop dinners with her sister and parents on road trips & campsites out west. Margaret and Earl also took their daughters fishing where Colleen loved to read on the boat. She and Patty were known to stick up for themselves in the neighborhood amongst the best of friends and good neighbors. 

Some of her first claims to fame were being the homecoming queen and writing the words to the school song with her friends. She played in the band and sang in the choir where she first met Jim Danner and his parents Fern and Bill. They became her extended family. She started singing at an early age and played the piano as a young girl and as a student at the University of Minnesota, where she achieved certification degrees. Colleen studied piano and voice for years after as a member of Minnesota Piano Teacher's Association. She was a professional musician, performer, and educator who produced music and theater for many. The Lutheran Church of Redeemer was a constant as along with Jim, Colleen was a steadfast leader, worship planner and choir member for over 60 years. Her Church life was her world as she honored God and her Christ Jesus.

She was a passionate life long resident of Roseville and you may have known her through The Roseville Community Band, Patchwork Community Theater, Jazzercize, or Wednesday Wipeouts at the ski hill. She loved alpine skiing, biking, canoeing and sailing, especially "up north" with family and friends. Her kids and their spouses, expanded the Danner Family legacy. She was so proud of her grandchildren Anne, Grace, and Eric and how they are carrying on many of these traditions. Colleen found solace in nature and the outdoors at the family Danner family cabin, with a special passion for wildflowers and birds. She and Jim married young while still students and raised their family as they pursued their educations as life long learners and based on their core values of Faith, Family, and Friends.

Family car & tent camping trips across the United States provided for some awesome memories. When Jim passed away in 2005 Colleen's life and the life of the family, changed forever. On her own she continued life enjoying time with Joy, Tim, Jane, Paul and Claudia, and grandchildren Anne, Eric, and Grace. She was a passionate supporter of their sports, academics, and music/theater pursuits. Her legacy lives on in them. 

Colleen had a contagious laugh and loved being silly and having fun. She was a hostess with the mostess until she faced the challenges of vision issues and Alzheimer's Disease. Colleen always maintained her kindness for people and gratitude for those close to her in life's daily gifts. She had so many good and valued friends. Colleen was a unicorn and marched to the beat of her own drum. She will always be remembered as the beautiful person she was here on earth. Today she soars with God and The Angels.

We express our most sincere thanks to all of our friends for your gifts of kindness and care for Colleen over the years. Your faithfulness in accompanying her on this part of the journey was inspirational and uplifting. A special shout out to her amazing caregivers, some who have become like family. We will remember this always. The Danner Family 

Funeral service 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 24 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 N. Dale St., St. Paul. Visitation at the church from 10-11 AM Wednesday. Interment Roselawn Cemetery.

Livestream video of the service can be found on the church website: redeemerstpaul.org (Scroll down to YouTube videos link for worship services)