Thomas TJ Danielson

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas “TJ” Danielson, age 43, of East Bethel, Minnesota, who died unexpectedly on December 2, 2024. Thomas was born on July 17, 1981, and grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he graduated from Forest Lake High School.

TJ was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He is survived by his children, Maddie Danielson and Lucas Danielson, his parents, Jim and Roxy Danielson, his sister Krystle (Andy Houle) Danielson, and his niece Scarlett Schommer. He shared his life with his girlfriend, Karla Jimenez and her children, Bridget, Alex, and Bella.

A man of many talents, TJ worked in construction and roofing for many years after high school, always finding satisfaction in hands-on work. His passion for leadership and dedication to his career led him to become a project manager, first with Raven Operations (2019–2022) and then Minnehaha Falls Landscaping (2022–2023). Most recently, he was an Assistant Manager with the Veteran’s Cemetery Services at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. His work ethic, reliability, and caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.

TJ had an incredible zest for life. He was an avid fan of Minnesota sports, proudly cheering on the Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild, and Twins. He spent countless hours attending games, enjoying the excitement and camaraderie of his favorite teams. He had an unmistakable love for music, especially playing his guitar. Whether it was the quiet of the early morning or the middle of the night, his guitar was never far from his reach.

Beyond his work and passions, TJ loved the simple joys of life. He loved his children more than anything. He cherished family vacations, particularly to Florida, where he made lasting memories with his loved ones. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and having bonfires, often hosting cookouts for family and friends. TJ was always there with a joke to brighten someone’s day, quick with a helping hand, and always eager to make memories. His humor, kindness, and generosity knew no bounds.

TJ was a true jack-of-all-trades and could fix almost anything. He was always lending a hand to those in need, whether they were family, friends, or even strangers. His commitment to helping others was one of the many things that made him so special to everyone who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2024, at Refuge of Hope, 16060 Crosstown Blvd. NW, Andover, Minnesota 55304. A luncheon and continued time of sharing will be held at the church immediately following the service.

TJ’s legacy of love, laughter, and making the most of every moment will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.