Daniel Raymond Levno, Brainerd, went home to be with Jesus surrounded by his loving family on Monday, March 30th at the age of 75 in the log home that they built together.

Born to Raymond and Dorothy "Dot" Levno on July 5, 1950 in Little Falls, MN, Dan grew up the oldest of seven in Robbinsdale. He graduated from Cooper Armstrong High School before attending St. Cloud State University where he played hockey and earned his Secondary Industrial Arts teaching degree. He taught in Chisago Lakes before accepting a teaching position at Brainerd High School where he also served as head boys hockey coach. Dan taught in woods and metal shops at Brainerd High School, Franklin Jr. High, and Washington until he retired from Brainerd Public Schools in 2006.

Dan's biggest accomplishment was the family he built with the love of his life, Pamela Polley, who he was smart enough to marry on June 22, 1973, at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Minneapolis. He and Pam met on South Long Lake in Brainerd, so it comes as no surprise to anyone that they settled there to start their lives together and grow their family. Their 52-year marriage was blessed with five children: Aubrey (Joe) Koman, Heather (Steve) Isle, Danell (Chuck) Eggert, Desirae (Aaron) Jensen, and Derek (Alicia) Levno, and eleven grandchildren: Bre and Emma Koman; Reece, Reegen and Kipten Isle; Kessa, Carlie, and Briella Eggert; Sydney Negri; and Owen and Maren Levno. Dan's work ethic, love of family, and appreciation for nature will live on in all of them.

Dan was a man of many talents and interests who accomplished his lifetime dreams. He could build or fix anything and was often tinkering in his shop, rebuilding classic cars, or helping his kids and grandkids with projects. Growing up in the city, Dan always wanted to farm and did so while teaching full-time. Building a log house was another dream of his that he fulfilled with the help of his family. A lover of dogsledding, Dan dogsledded in races in Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as Alaska where he fulfilled his dream of dogsledding in the Serum Run. He enjoyed mentoring people to the sport, helping them set up dog teams of their own, and providing dogsled rides for friends and family. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Dan enjoyed sharing his love of the Boundary Waters with his family year round as well as camping at many of Minnesota's State Parks.

Please join the family at St. Andrew's Catholic Church Saturday, April 11th at 11:00 a.m., for a Mass of Christian Burial. A visitation will be held Friday, April 10th from 4:00 to 7:00 (prayer service at 6:30 p.m.) at Nelson Doran Funeral Home, and one hour before Mass at St. Andrew's. In leiu of flowers, the family requests donations to causes near to Dan's heart: Save the Boundary Waters, Wild and Free, Bridges of Hope: Operation Sandwich, or The Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes.