Gerald Lyle Danmeier

After a long and active life, at 94 years young, Gerry has gone to his final rest.

Gerry was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on December 12, 1926. His parents were Francis Victor Danmeier and Marie Elena (Doyle) Danmeier.

Gerry would become a sailor, an aviator, a designer, a draftsman, and a chef!

He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend…and a friend to Man’s Best Friend!

He joined the Navy at the ripe old age of 17 with the help of his grandmother who signed his enlistment papers.

In World War II, he served on USS LST 41 (Landing Ship Tank) (which the sailors jokingly called ‘Large Slow Target’).

In 1949 he re-enlisted in the Navy Reserve where at one point, he was charged with decommissioning the same type ships on which he had earlier served.

After his second stint in the navy, Gerry piloted test flights for Champion Aircraft. He also flew a crop duster; and occasionally escorted sky divers to their jumping off place.

All in all, Gerry lived through three airplane crashes!

Gerry loved the music of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra, which he listened to while he prepared his Sunday Italian dinners.

Gerry and Donna, his wife of almost 44 years, were long time members of the German-American Club in Cape Coral, FL, where they had many friends and spent many hours socializing, dining and dancing.

One of the greatest highlights of his life was his participation in the Collier-Lee Honor Flight to Washington D.C.; sponsored and accompanied by Sady and George Rago.

You will find an accounting of his service written by Rick Wobbe, posted previously on his FB page.

Gerry will be laid to rest at Lee Memorial Cemetery’s Veteran Gardens, where there will be a graveside service with military honors. The date has yet to be determined but will be posted here on Facebook when known.

GERALD LYLE DANMEIER

Dec 12, 1926 - Oct 2, 2021

Rest In Peace 🕊

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leememorialparkfuneralhome.com for the Danmeier family.