Daniel A Alexander

The Life of Daniel Anton Alexander

Daniel Anton Alexander—known simply as “Dan” to those lucky enough to share a campfire or a fishing line with him passed away on July 6, 2025. He is predeceased by his wife, Irmgard Emma (Grimm), his parents Daniel Otto and Ella Marie Alexander and his brothers Ross, Darrel and Dolan. Dan is survived by the family he adored: Carl (Tammy) Alexander, Ernie (Ausencia) Alexander, and Nanette (Wade) Hamilton. He loved his six grandsons, their spouses, and his five great-grandchildren, all of whom knew Grandpa Dan could always be counted on for a cold soda and a ride on the lawn mower. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Sharryl Rogers, who shared a little bit of mischief and many memories from childhood onward.

Born on February 9, 1933, he wasted no time forging his own path and packed a lot of life into his 92 years.

While proudly serving his country in the Army as a Specialist in the Light Truck Transportation Company from 1954 to 1957, his overseas deployment turned into the love story of a lifetime. While stationed in Germany, Dan met Irmgard Emma Grimm—who became his wife on June 29, 1957, in Stuttgart. They built a marriage full of devotion, love, and the occasional lively debate over how to perfectly pack a camper.

Back stateside, Dan went on to build a life filled with dedication to his family and the occasional suspicious fishing story that involved “the one that got away.” He worked tirelessly in the automotive and tire industry—mainly to keep the kids fed, the bills paid, and the camper ready for the next big adventure.

In 1979, Dan and Irmgard packed up the house and headed to Oregon, where he built their home on three acres along the Mohawk River. He spent the next four decades mowing those acres (over and over) and never catching a single fish out of that river—though he insisted they were in there.

Retirement never slowed Dan down—he simply traded tires for tillers. As a nurseryman, he could often be found coaxing life from seedlings, chatting with customers about the best fertilizers, and proving that you could never have too many tomato plants. When he wasn’t working at the nursery, he could be found riding his lawn mower, taking a drive through the country (why take the freeway when you can take a country road), cruising to Alaska or Mexico, or sitting in his favorite chair rooting loudly for the Oregon Ducks and the Seattle Mariners (even when they made it difficult).

Dan had a soft spot for the simple pleasures: a freshly mown lawn, camping along a river with a fishing pole in hand, and the knowledge that he had built a life rich in love, hard work, and a little adventure.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him. May he now be with his wife, Irmgard, cruising heavenly backroads, camping along a river, keeping the grass forever mowed, and the Ducks always winning.