Daniel Lloyd Gravalin

Daniel Lloyd Gravalin, 78, passed away peacefully with his loving companion JoAnn by his side, on Thursday May 14, 2026 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Battle Lake, MN.

Dan was born December 20, 1947 at St. Ansgar’s Hospital in Moorhead, MN to Ervin “Hod” and Elaine (Thompson) Gravalin. He was raised in Moorhead where he graduated high school. His first job was working as a shoe shine boy for George Kondos at Shorty’s Shoe Shop where he learned the trade of shoe repair. On December 16th, 1965 just shy of his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Navy. While in the Navy, he served in the supply corps as the ships barber. He was discharged from the service in February of 1969. Dan worked for Burlington Northern Railroad as a railcar inspector in the 70’s. He then went back to his roots and opened his own shoe repair shop and pet store in Staples, MN due to his life-long love of animals and nature. After separating from his 4th marriage, 5 sons later he returned to Moorhead where he started raising ducks in a bathtub and pheasants in a playpen while living in a 2 bedroom apartment. Realizing he needed more space to pursue his passion for animals he bought a hobby farm in Wilkin County, MN and started working with the Red River Valley & Western Railroad in 1988 as a foreman. Dan enjoyed his time living on the farm raising countless varieties of birds. He also was in a homing pigeon club where he would race pigeons. In addition to birds, he bred and sold dogs, raised ferrets and even raised a whitetail deer he received from his friend, a game warden. The deer known as Rudy went with Dan everywhere on the farm just like a dog would. Rudy was raised in the house but always went to the bathroom outside. When he wanted to get him back in the house he would whistle and yell “Rudy tootie get your butt back here!”. Dan enjoyed telling people how the deer was his daughter’s babysitter when he had to get chores done and would even show pictures to prove it. He retired from the railroad and moved back to Moorhead with his family in the early 2000’s after a car accident left him disabled.

Later in life he decided he wanted to start working again since he was a very social person and the extra cash helped pay for his hunting and fishing expenses. Dan thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie with his coworkers who were like family to him. He also built close connections to the customers there and smiled every time he talked about his “Mc-Ladies”. Dan’s labor was a testament to his pride in hard work and genuine human connection, he spent roughly 12 cherished years working for McDonald’s.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Dan set off on his adventures while listening to oldies music or Johnny Cash. He took multiple trips pursuing antelope in Wyoming as well as fishing trips in Canada. There was never an “off season” to Dan, he was always hunting or fishing something somewhere. He shared many good times with his friend Dave as well as his brother Mike. Although he had plenty, anytime there was a gun show he and his friend Jeff would be there. His appreciation of nature also led him to hours spent at Nature’s Garden World in Fergus Falls. Every spring/summer he would meticulously maintain his yard and flowers which brought joy and happiness to anyone that would pass by. Dan, being a people person, always wanted to brighten your day whether it was a corny or inappropriate joke, an embellished story or handing out wild game that he had processed. He was a very kind, caring, loving man who gave freely.

He is survived by: his significant other JoAnn Danielson, her daughter Shelly (Jeff) Sagerhorn; his children - Danielle (Taylor) Berg, Scott (Leslie Rice) Gravalin, Curt (Michelle) Reimnitz, Rob (Jeanie) Troy, Kevin Gravalin, Kelly Gravalin; Six grandchildren - Braxton, Austin, Chase, Mia, Devon & Damien; His siblings - Mike Gravalin and Linda (Charlie) Cook; along with numerous other relatives, friends, and treasured co-workers. Dan was preceded in death by his

parents, Ervin and Elaine Gravalin

Per the families wishes, no services will be held.