Daniel Pietruszewski

Daniel Pietruszewski, 67, lifelong resident of Stephen, MN, died on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, November 25, 2021, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, after sustaining serious injuries from a fall in his home.

Daniel Edmund was born on November 29, 1953, in Warren, MN, the son of Edmund and Helen (Ignaszewski) Pietruszewski. Daniel grew up with a strong faith and was an altar boy at St. Stephen Catholic Church from grade school to high school, serving for every funeral during those years. He graduated from Stephen High School and studied mechanics at the AVTI in Thief River Falls. Farming was in Daniel's blood. Starting at the age of 12, Daniel worked for Earl Hvidsten Farms. In the late 70's, Daniel caught the “trucking bug.” After working for Hougard and John Rusling Trucking companies, Daniel purchased his own Peterbilt which he kept in mint condition. Trucking kept him away from home more than he preferred, however, so he eventually sold his truck and went back to Hvidsten Farms. Daniel loved working on the farm- especially since his coworkers were his brother, Gary, and his father.

On December 13, 1980, during a blizzard, Daniel was united in Holy Matrimony to Lenore Hanevold. The couple began their vocation together in Stephen and raised three children. He shared his love of many things with his family. He instilled in them a love for the outdoors through motorcycle rides, snowmobile adventures, and family camping trips: with Hanevolds, he was the official pontoon captain. He shared his love of motorcycles with both family and friends with rides to Banff, Montana, Niagara Falls, and Sturgis (as possibly the only Gold Wing rider). And he shared his love of service to others through many selfless acts- he was particularly proud when his sons followed in his footsteps, becoming volunteer firefighters.

In 1999, Daniel had the opportunity to be a motor grader operator for Marshall County. Daniel was known as the best motor grader operator around. He was proud of his work and went the extra mile to make sure Stephen-area residents had good roads. In addition to his day job, Daniel was always involved with farming in some way. He spent 15+ years helping Rick and his crew with the harvest at the Gajeski Farm. Daniel “retired” in June 30, 2021, before going back into trucking for his new boss (and son), Kyle, at CHS.

Daniel was a devoted son of Stephen, being active in the Stephen Volunteer Fire Dept. for over 30 years. He was active in his church, and a Knight of Columbus. He recently became a board member of the Old Home Town Museum; the perfect venue for his unmatched story-telling ability and his wide knowledge of local happenings.

Daniel knew well how short life could be and lived each day with that in mind. He could wrench on a tractor with his best friend, David; faithfully say the rosary; and rock any baby to sleep all in the same day. And though many things Daniel enjoyed and achieved are listed above, his greatest pride and priority, around whom his world was centered, were his five grandchildren.

He will be missed beyond measure.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lenore; children, Ross (Naomi) of Breckenridge, MN, Alicia (Brett) Spilde of Karlstad, MN, and Kyle (Paige) of Stephen; grandchildren, Lily, Landon, Peyton, Baron, and Nixon; his siblings, Diane (Ricky) Sundby, Gail (Scott) Brustad, and Carol (Bill) Kuznia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons, Jason Thomas and Thomas Andrew; and brother, Gary Pietruszewski.

Memorials may be made in Memory of Daniel to
the Stephen Volunteer Fire Department or to the Stephen Volunteer Ambulance Svc.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church, Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: Monday evening, November 29, 2021, from 5:00 PM; 6:45 PM Rosary, 7:00 PM Prayer Service; in St. Stephen Catholic Church: and one hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: St. Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN.

To watch a video of Daniel's funeral service, please click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/DuBoreFuneralHome/videos/303472148171431