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Daron Anderson, 62, of Newell died July 3, 2026, at his residence.
A Celebration of Life will take place Wednesday, July 15, from 1-3 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Graveside services will follow in Storm Lake Cemetery.
Daron was born Jan. 17, 1964, to David and Berna (Rice) Anderson in Bagley, Minn., the youngest of four children. He attended Storm Lake Schools then graduated in 1981 in Minneapolis, Minn. Daron went on to attend Red Wing Technical College. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in alternative energy and then in 1985 with a degree in band instrument repair. He returned to Storm Lake to work at Mid Bell Music until he accepted a position in Germany in 1988.
On Nov. 24, 1988, Daron was united in marriage to Joleen Kelly in Bensheim, Germany. To this union, three children were born: Anna Fae, Elle Jane and Ian Francis.
Endless memories were made while Daron traveled across many European countries with his family. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, riding his motorcycle, skiing and windsurfing.
Music was the cornerstone of Daron’s life. He could play every musical instrument which led him to his profession of musical instrument repair. Daron worked as head of musical instrument repair for the Department of Defense in Europe. More recently, Daron taught band teachers how to complete minor repairs themselves through online courses. He looked forward to the honor band and choir performance each year where he helped many students with emergency repairs and tune ups on their instruments. He enjoyed listening to jazz music while he worked. Daron found joy in playing with local music groups and played at the Mainz-Kostheim Concordia community band for 15 years.
Daron was a member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians and the European Music Educators Association where he served as a guest clinician. He had several accomplishments and professional publications, including “At the Bench” in the MEA Spotlight teaching band instrument repair. Many students, band directors and colleagues in the musical instrument industry had great respect and appreciation for Daron and he will be deeply missed.
Daron is survived by his wife, Joleen Anderson of Newell; children: Anna Anderson of Centerville; Elle (Jim Schaefer) Anderson of Durango, Colo.; Ian Anderson of Seattle, Wash.; grandchild Olive Anderson-Schaefer of Durango, Colo.; aunts: Marilyn (Lloyd) Miller of Benicia, Calif.; Julie (Joe) Haralson of Fort Collins, Colo.; Hilda (Harry) Rein of Encino, Calif.; siblings-in-law: Sharon (Joe) Nieman, Becky (Walt) Roger, Michelle (Alan) Kelly-Handrow, Nancy Kelly, Liz Franker, Gina (Mike) Menke, Kevin (Emily) Kelly, Greg (Kathy) Kelly, Andy (Quin) Kelly and Chris (Rochelle) Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Berna and David Anderson; brother David Anderson; sisters, Debra Anderson and Dava Anderson; niece Keshia Anderson; parents-in-law, Francis and Jackie Kelly; and several aunts and uncles.
