Obituary: Daniel Leonard Kamunen

Daniel Leonard Kamunen, Sr. of Littleton, Colorado and originally from Cloquet, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 26, 2023, at age 83. He was born July 8, 1939.

Dan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor.

Dan was a proud man, the son of Finnish immigrant parents who worked hard to provide for his family. He retired from Conoco Marketing after 35 dedicated years with the company. In his later years, he enjoyed working as a course marshall at Fox Hollow Golf Course in Lakewood, Colorado.

He and his wife, Sonja, enjoyed many interests together, such as cross country skiing and traveling with their social groups, visiting family in Finland, playing golf together with friends, and cheering on their beloved Broncos.

Dan and Sonja financially supported numerous charitable organizations and community outreach programs in the greater Denver area, often serving in leadership roles for such organizations, including the El Jebel Shriners and the El Jebel Sandblasters golf group.

He was most proud of his Finnish heritage and was a valued member of the Finlandia Foundation of Colorado, and enjoyed organizing social activities and trips to Finland for the group and attending the annual FinnFest conference, especially when it was held in Duluth, near his childhood home.

From 1988 to 2010, Dan served as honorary consul to Finland for the state of Colorado. He was exceptionally proud to represent his state and honor his Finnish culture and heritage. He was awarded with the decoration of Knight, First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland by Consul General Maria Serenius.

Another part of his upbringing that was very important to him was his faith and the confidence of his salvation. Dan and Sonja were members of the Abiding Hope Church in Littleton.

Although a pillar in the community with a heart of service and having made more friends than we can count, his greatest titles were that of "Husband," "Dad" and "Grandpa." Dan worked hard to instill the importance of character, integrity, work ethic, faith, community service and a deep appreciation of their roots in his children and grandchildren. His sisu will be greatly missed.

In January, Dan was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, similar to Parkinson's disease. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Charter Senior Living Center and Alive Hospice, both of Franklin, for the compassion and care they provided for Dan and Sonja during the last two months.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Ida Kamunen; his brothers, Eino Kamunen (Irene) and Raymond Kamunen (Gladys); and his sisters Lydia Olesiak (Ray) and Gertrude Knuti (Ralph). He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 31 years, Sonja Kamunen; his son, Dan Kamunen Jr. (Laurie); his daughters, Lori Lyle (Bill) and Karla Caperton (Mike); his stepsons, Richard Surratt (Leila) and Glenn Surrat; his grandchildren, John Tanner Kamunen, Danielle Kamunen, Corey Surratt, Leah Surratt, Michael Surratt and Alex Surrat; and his only surviving sister, Ida Rose Sunnarborg (Don).

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on April 28 at Abiding Hope Church (6337 S. Robb Way, Littleton CO 80127) with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, consider making donations in honor of Dan Kamunen Sr. to the organizations that meant a great deal to him: Shriners Hospital for Children (donate.lovetotherescue.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org). We thank you all for your love and prayers.