Robert "Bob" Danielson

Robert L. Danielson, age 90, of Hastings, died peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the Augustana Health Care Center. Robert was born on November 9, 1924 in Red Wing, Minnesota to Lester and Florence (Tiedeman) Danielson. He attended Red Wing High School and graduated with the class of 1942. On April 12, 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Force. During WWII he served in the 483rd Bomb Group H and flew 50 missions. Robert received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. On October 7, 1944 his group flew six B-17s into Czechoslovakia on a top secret mission that landed behind enemy lines. Local partisans captured an enemy airbase for several hours fighting off the Germans in order to complete their mission. Their plane resupplied the partisans with arms and ammunition. They then returned with 30 downed Allied airmen from occupied Europe. Robert later received an honorable discharge on October 8, 1945. Robert was united in marriage to Grace Goodman on April 11, 1945 in Fort Worth, Texas. He worked as an electrician for many years at 3M and was a member of the Hastings United Methodist Church. Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and the outdoors. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Robert was a member of the VFW and American Legion in Hastings. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Audrey Brunner. Robert is survived by his wife, Grace of Hastings; his children, Steven (Betty) Danielson of Minneapolis and John (Jaci) Danielson of South St. Paul; two grandchildren Amy and Jill Danielson; brothers Richard (Lois) of Lindstrom and Thomas (Berta) Danielson of Grand Marais; many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hastings United Methodist Church, with Reverend Christopher Kneen officiating. Military honors will be provided at church by the Hastings VFW Lyle Russell Post 1210. Visitation will be held at church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday. Private family interment will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing at a later date.