Dr. Gary ‘Doc’ Donovan Daniels, 80, Passes Away

Gary graduated from Dover-Eyota High School in 1964. He began working at UPS in 1965 while attending classes at Rochester Junior College, studying pre-veterinary medicine. In 1966, he completed his pre-vet studies at the University of Minnesota and was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine. While in veterinary school, he worked morning and evening shifts caring for animals in the school’s hospital. He graduated in 1970, receiving the title of “Outstanding Senior Veterinary Student.” After graduating, he joined Dr. Donald French at the Chosen Valley Veterinary Clinic in Chatfield, Minnesota, dedicating 40 years to serving local farmers and their animals before retiring in 2010.

In 1968, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Judi Diemer. They raised four children on their family farm, where they also cared for registered Simmental cattle. Gary was active in the community as a member of the Chatfield Jaycees, a 4-H coach and chaperone, and a veterinarian at the Minnesota State Fair. He served as an Elder at St. Paul Lutheran Church for 21 years, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and was a founding member of the Miracle of Birth Barn at the Olmsted County Fair. Additionally, he was on the board for Chatfield Senior Housing Lakewood Apartments.

A devoted sports fan, he supported the Golden Gophers, Minnesota Twins, and Minnesota Vikings, but was most passionate about attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He will be remembered for his deep love for family and friends, his compassion for animals, and his faith. His storytelling ability, humor, and quick wit will be sorely missed at family gatherings.

Gary is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judi; children Beth (Steve) Storhoff of Lanesboro, MN; Derek (Beth) Daniels of Jonesboro, AR; Jason (Denise) Daniels of Chatfield, MN; and Amy (Scott) Turner of Mantorville, MN. He is also survived by grandchildren Wilson, Parker, Jensyn, Drew, Lindsay, McKenna, Carter, Teagan, Tatum, along with step-grandchildren Ella and Bruce Perry; his sister Sheriann (Vic) Vail of Lewiston, MN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Christian service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chatfield, followed by a lunch at Joy Ridge Event Center. Visitations are scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Friday, October 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., both at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Hoff Funeral Home of Chatfield is handling arrangements and burial services at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the American Heart Association, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or the Chosen Valley Care Center Van Fund.