Daniel P. Kiernan of Monticello, formerly of Buffalo died on the eve of his 90th birthday on Friday, May 20, 2016. He was at home, under hospice care, and surrounded by the love of his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Buffalo with Fr. Nathaniel Meyers as Celebrant. Lunch to follow. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, Wednesday, at the church. Private burial will follow at St. Brendan Catholic Cemetery in Green Isle.
Dan is survived by his children, John (Avi) Kiernan of Chester, Virginia, Mary Kiernan of Falcon Heights, Maggie Kiernan of Big Lake, Pat Kiernan (Stan James) of Chaska, Bridget (Steve) Weis of Annandale, T.D. (John) Gibbs of Bloomington and Tom (Julie) Kiernan of Buffalo; grandchildren, Dan (April) Kiernan, Sarah and Claire Horton, Molly Deisher, Aaron (Tina) and Anna Weis (Nick Moon), Ellen, Patrick, Brenna and Joseph Gibbs, Kelly (Chase) Liska, Ali (Stu McCarter), Matthew and Ben Kiernan; and great grandchildren Alexa, Scarlett, Eleanor, Stella, Clementine, Camryn, Olive and Catherine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Bridget Kiernan and wife, Ardis Kiernan.
Daniel Patrick Kiernan was born May 21, 1926, in Minneapolis to Patrick and Bridget (Lee) Kiernan. He graduated from Glencoe High School, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Mankato Teachers College and continued his education at the University of Minnesota. Dan served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Ardis Janet Hartmann on Sept. 2, 1950, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waconia. They made Buffalo their home and were blessed with seven children. Eight years ago, Dan and Ardis moved to St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello. Dan served Wright County for 40 years; initially as a probation officer and ultimately as Director of Court Services. He was well known throughout Wright County as a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, the Buffalo Rotary Club, the Buffalo Lions Club and the Bisonaires choral group. Much of his life was dedicated to the needs of others. He loved to sing and play guitar with the St. Francis Resurrection Choir and with the Loose Cannons. Dan brought his sense of humor everywhere he went and was known widely as a great storyteller, harmonica player and prolific letter to the editor writer. Affectionately known as "quite a character," his contributions to the community were recognized in 2007 when he was named the Wright County Senior Citizen of the Year.
Music: St. Francis Xavier Resurrection Choir.