Dr. Gary “Doc” Donovan Daniels, 80, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Gary was born on June 28, 1946, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Donovan (Don) and Gloria (Schroeder) Daniels. His family farmed in the Rochester area before moving to their Eyota farm, where he still went daily to feed his remaining “livestock” (cats).
Gary was a 1964 graduate of Dover-Eyota High School. In 1965, he worked for UPS, washing trucks early in the morning before attending classes at Rochester Junior College studying pre-vet. In 1966, he finished his pre-vet studies at the University of Minnesota. In 1967, he was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota. He worked mornings and some evenings caring for the animals in the Veterinary School hospital. In 1970, at his college graduation, he was named the “Outstanding Senior Veterinary Student.” After graduation, he joined Dr. Donald French at his Chosen Valley Veterinary Clinic practice in Chatfield, Minnesota, where he was dedicated to his farmers and their animals for 40 years, retiring in 2010. As the title of one of his favorite veterinary books says, “Watch for a Cloud of Dust.”
In 1968, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Judi Diemer. Together they raised four children on their family farm along with registered Simmental cattle.
Gary had been a member of the Chatfield Jaycees (and their winning softball team), a 4-H softball coach and 4-H chaperone at the Minnesota State Fair, a veterinarian for the Minnesota State Fair, an elder at St. Paul Lutheran Church for 21 years, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, founding member of the Miracle of Birth Barn at the Olmsted County Fair, and was currently on the Board for Chatfield Senior Housing Lakewood Apartments. He was a die-hard fan of the Golden Gophers football team, Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota Vikings, but most of all, he was the biggest fan of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.
There are so many things Gary will be remembered for. He had a deep and genuine love for his family and friends and his caring heart left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. Gary was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren and of the legacy he and Judi created for this world. He had sincere compassion for all animals and was gifted in caring for them. Gary’s faith was a very important part of his life and he was dedicated to his church. His gift of storytelling, incredible sense of humor, quick wit, and one liners will be deeply missed at family gatherings. Gary’s love and the memories he helped to create will remain with us always.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judi; children Beth (Steve) Storhoff, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Derek (Beth) Daniels, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Jason (Denise) Daniels, Chatfield, Minnesota, and Amy (Scott) Turner of Mantorville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Wilson Storhoff, Parker Storhoff, Jensyn Storhoff, Drew Daniels, Lindsay Daniels, McKenna Daniels, Carter Daniels, Teagan Allen, Tatum Allen, and step-grandchildren Ella Perry and Bruce Perry; sister Sheriann (Vic) Vail of Lewiston, Minnesota; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Christian service will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield with a lunch to follow at Joy Ridge Event Center in Chatfield. Visitations will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, 4-7 p.m. and Friday, October 2, 2026, 10 a.m., both at St. Paul Lutheran Church. We are grateful to Hoff Funeral Home of Chatfield for arrangements and burial services at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Heart Association, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or the Chosen Valley Care Center Van Fund.
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