Leroy "Sam" G. Dauner

Leroy G. Dauner, 92, of Hawley, MN passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. 

Leroy "Sam" George Dauner was born on the family farm in Hawley, MN on May 10, 1931, to George and Mabel (Tangen) Dauner. He grew up on the farm and attended Crocus Hill Country School until the 8th grade before joining the farm operation full time. In 1950, Sam enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a Combat Medic in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

After returning from the service, Sam went on a blind date with Audrey Nilles and on December 29, 1955, they were married at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Casselton, ND. They moved onto the farm in Hawley where they raised their family of 10 children. During these years, Sam drove cattle truck as well as farmed and later took a position as Superintendent and head grounds keeper at Hawley Golf and Country Club where he spent the next 31 years. 

Sam was extremely active and loved being outside. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, softball, bowling, playing golf, and played amateur baseball for the Hawley Hawks for a time. After retiring he continued many of these things and racked up an amazing 5 hole-in-ones throughout the years. He loved all Minnesota sports teams and enjoyed watching Westerns on TV.

Later in life he enjoyed driving around and checking on the crops and mowing his lawn. He was an animal lover, and since he was a boy, always had dogs around the farm. He even became fond of cats as the years went on. Sam also loved keeping up with his grandchildren's sporting events and other activities, and the occasional casino trip was always fun. 

Sam is survived by his wife; children, Susan (Jeff) McDonald, Michael (Ronda) Dauner, Barbara Dauner, Laurel (Gary) Schultz, Scott (Brenda) Dauner, Hope (Don Anderson) Dauner, Douglas (Mary) Dauner, Richard (Denelle) Dauner, Sheri (Matt) Cook, and Stephen Dauner; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Patrick; son-in-law, Ted Cray; brother, Marvin (Shirley) Dauner; and sisters, Marie (Arthur) Wenner, Madelyn (Elroy) Meissner, Laverne (Carlton) Sather, and Lois, in infancy.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 5-7 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday, October 25, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour before the service at St. Andrew's Catholic Church, Hawley, MN.

Final resting place will be in Lysne Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Hawley, MN.