Mike Danielson Scholarship Fund
The Track and Field program at Minnesota State in partnership with the Danielson family and Mike’s many friends is creating an endowed annual scholarship honoring the life and work of Mike Danielson .
This scholarship is an investment in future leaders and will provide support for a Minnesota State Men’s Cross Country runner.
Mike Danielson of Tonka Bay, passed away on December 22, 2021 at home with his loving family at his side. Mike was born in Rochester, Minnesota on August 30, 1963 to Gerald and Barbara Danielson. Mike was a gifted athlete and a champion in life. Competing for the Stewartville High School Tigers in the fall of 1981, Mike claimed the school’s first and only cross country championship. Mike is a 2017 member of the Stewartville Hall of Fame.
After graduation in 1982, Mike ran for the then Mankato State University Mavericks where he captained the team his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He competed in two NCAA National Championship meets. His team mates became lifelong friends. They share an incredible brotherhood to this day and were by his side until the end. Their strength and support were a true blessing. Mike went on to become an accomplished Triathlete, competing at a high level throughout the U.S. He qualified and competed for Team USA at the amateur world championships in Belfort, France in 2013. In addition, he was an Ironman - many times over.
If Mike put his mind to it, he was a force to be reckoned with. Mike received his undergraduate degree from Mankato State, earned his MBA from St. Thomas University. He had been in the investment business for 33 years and at Wells Fargo Advisors since 2006. Mike was wicked smart and knew the business stone cold. But, his true success was built on trust and integrity, his ability to talk to anyone about anything, and his genuine love for others. Always a gentleman, he was loved and respected by everyone he met.
Mike married the love of his life Lisa Grinager 27 years ago and together they raised two beautiful daughters on Lake Minnetonka. He was incredibly proud of his girls, and was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. Mike loved his girls, his dogs, his boat, and his remarkable friends. Mike is preceded in death by his father Gerald Danielson and brother Mark A. Danielson. He is survived by his loving wife Lisa. Daughters Alyssa (Adam Fuchs) , his grandsons Leonardo Fuchs and Magellan Fuchs, and Misty (special friend Artemis Ma). Mother and Step-father Barbara and Howard Borgen, Sister Debbie (Mike) Erickson, and faithful fur babies Lucy, Charlie Bits, and Beans.
We have had a small group of leaders who have made a special gift to create the Mike Danielson Cross Country Endowment. Your gift could be a one time gift, or annual gift over the next three years. Our goal is to raise $100,000 the first year. The first $3,000 will be given out to start the scholarship and the rest will be put into the endowment for perpetuity.
Letter from Lisa Danielson
To donate to the endowment fund which will benefit Maverick men's cross country, click HERE
