Daniel Leonard Kamunen, Sr.
July 8, 1939 to March 26, 2023
Daniel Leonard Kamunen, Sr. from Littleton, CO., formerly from Cloquet, MN., went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 26, 2023 at 83 years old. Dan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. 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 Mrs. Ida Rose Sunnarborg (Don).
Dan was a proud man, the son of Finnish immigrant parents, who worked hard to provide for his family. He was retired from Conoco Marketing after 35 dedicated years with the company. In his later years he enjoyed working as a Golf Course Marshall at Fox Hollow Golf Course in Lakewood, CO.
He and his wife Sonja enjoyed many interests together such as cross country skiing, traveling with their social groups, going to visit family in Finland, playing golf together with friends and cheering on their beloved Broncos.
Dan and Sonja financially supported multiple charitable organizations and community outreach programs in the greater Denver area, often serving in leadership roles for such organizations as 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, MN near his childhood home. From 1988 to 2010 Dan served as the Honorary Consul to Finland for the state of Colorado. He was exceptionally proud to represent his state and honor his Finnish culture and heritage in this position. He was awarded with the decoration of Knight, First Class of the Order of the Lion of Finland by the 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 2023, Dan was diagnosed with MSA, a form of Parkinson’s Disease and he succumbed to his illness this past Sunday. His family extends our 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 Sr. and Sonja during the last 2 months.