Max Danner

Max passed away on Jan. 5th 2015 in a tragic school bus accident. Max was born June 27, 1952 to Charles and Jean (Knudson) Danner; along with his twin brother Mel. He attended elementary school in Gilby, and graduated from Midway Jr. - Sr. High school in 1970. Max attended UND then transferred to NDSU to earn his bachelors degree in Voc. Ed. (Agriculture) in 1976. In Nov. 1973, Max married his high school sweetheart Barbara Woods at the Forest River Community church. They lived in Gilby 2 years before moving to the family farm, just south of Johnstown N.D. where they currently resided. Family was one of Max's joys. He and Barb were blessed with 4 sons. Neil (40), Brian (37), Todd (32), and Rodney (30). Max attended 100's of sporting event s and other school activities. Max was a leader in 4-H and Pack 80 Scouts. Other passions were his love of farming and teaching Ag Education, which he did for many years. Max and Mel took over the family farm when their dad was killed in an auto accident when they were14. Max has taught "Vo-Ag" since 1979. He started his career at Petersburg and Michigan, N.D. 79-81 then remained at Michigan until 1987. While at Michigan a new Ag building was erected. Max ran an Adult Farm Management program several years as well as always running the farm enterprise with his brother Mel. Larimore School hired Max in 1992 and he was there to the present. He was also a bus driver and advisor for FFA and many other school activities. Max had many great experiences with his Ag Ed students and FFA members thru the years. Along with student's participation and benefiting from his guidance he gave them many hours of his time. He hosted Dist. FFA meetings and contests, judged at local, State and National competitions while giving hundred s of students priceless experiences. " Mr. Danner:" could not go anywhere in N.D. without former students coming to say hello or to see what he was up to or remembering a special event. His time was precious to him and he loved to spend time at his son Brian's cabin on Lake Bemidji. Barb and Max enjoyed the quiet time fishing and floating on the pontoon. What was even better was when his sons or grandkids could come and join them. Max was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran church of Honeyford, Past master at St John's Masonic lodge Forest River and Johnstown Township Pres. and board member. He was very active professionally; serving in many capacities in NDCTE, ACTE and NAAE and Past member of the State FFA Foundation. Max is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons: Neil (Kami), their children Chance, Reese and Cash Danner of Thompson, ND; Brian (Megan Patrick), daughter, Natalie Danner of Grand Island, NE; Todd (Rebekah Lindgren), Phoenix, AZ; and Rodney Danner, Johnstown, ND; Mother, Jean Danner Thompson, Grand Forks; In-law's, Raymond & Donna Woods, Forest River, N.D; Twin Brother, Mel Danner of Johnstown N.D; Sister, Randy Danner of Edina, MN; Sister, Kristi Qualley (David) of Oslo MN; sister, Dr. Carla Cole Eaton (Kevin) Dallas, TX; Many other brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins Preceded in death by his father, Charles; aunts, Caroline Parker and Helen LaRue; uncle, Curt Knudson and all grandparents. Visitation is Sunday Jan.11th from 5-7PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service in Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks Funeral Services will be Monday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Honeyford, N.D. starting at 2:30 PM Lunch and gathering for all at Forest River American Legion Hall., beginning at 4PM