El Paso Times (TX) - Saturday, July 1, 2006

A combined memorial service for Floyd Clifton Danielson (May 8, 1925 - January 17, 2006) and Virginia Diehl Danielson (March 1, 1927 - May 25, 2006) will be held Friday, July 7, 10 am at Ft Bliss Chapel #4. Interment to follow at 11:30 am at the Ft Bliss National Cemetery. Floyd was born in Marshall County, Minnesota, the son of Dave and Olga Danielson. He married his home town sweetheart, Mickey Gullickson, and helped raise five children: Gerri (Reb) Sawitz, Wildomar CA; Kathy (Walt) Birdseye, Tacoma WA; Cyndi (Joe) Carso, Florence OR; LeAnne Baile, Tarzana CA; and Shawn Danielson who preceded him in death. Floyd joined the Army, served in the Korean War, and rose through the ranks to CW4. He was a "missile man" in the Nike-Hercules Air Defense program at Ft Bliss Texas when he retired in 1975. After Mickey's death, Floyd met his second wife, Virginia Diehl, whom he married in 1974. Virginia was born in LaJunta Colorado, the daughter of Vernon and Mary Diehl. Her second husband Hugh Ralston preceded her in death. She raised three children Randy (Sue) Ralston, Brownfield TX; Ronnie (Darlene) Ralston, Dallas TX; and Marta (Steve) Barringer, Hobbs NM. Virginia met Floyd on a blind date to a Bob Hope concert in Las Cruses. She often said that God had saved the best for last. They spent 31 happy years together, many in Capitan NM. They were active members of the local Senior Center and representatives at both state and national Senior Olympics, earning several medals in pool, bowling and even Frisbee-throwing. Floyd was an honorary life member of the American Legion; Virginia loved serving the Lord through her church. Both loved to travel. They are survived by Floyd's sister, Donna Peterson, of Crystal MN, Virginia's sister, Verna Warren of Salida CO; seven children, 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Correspondence may be sent c/o 1717 - 148th Street E. Tacoma WA 98445. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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