Daniel Alexander

The Life of Daniel Anton Alexander

Daniel Anton Alexander—known simply as “Dan” to those lucky enough to share a campfire or afishing 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 andDolan. 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 fivegreat-grandchildren, all of whom knew Grandpa Dan could always be counted on for a cold sodaand a ride on the lawn mower. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Sharryl Rogers, whoshared 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 his92 years.

While proudly serving his country in the Army as a Specialist in the Light Truck TransportationCompany 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 overhow to perfectly pack a camper.

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

In 1979, Dan and Irmgard packed up the house and headed to Oregon, where he built their homeon three acres along the Mohawk River. He spent the next four decades mowing those acres (overand 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 couldoften be found coaxing life from seedlings, chatting with customers about the best fertilizers, andproving 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 freewaywhen you can take a country road), cruising to Alaska or Mexico, or sitting in his favorite chairrooting 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 afishing pole in hand, and the knowledge that he had built a life rich in love, hard work, and a littleadventure.

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