Robert Danielson – Bradenton, Fla.
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Robert E. Danielson passed away September 30 after several years of illness. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Elaine. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Louise, his niece Margaret and his nephew Daniel, all from Iowa. Also a sad survivor is their cat, Kerry.
Bob was born January 11, 1925 on a farm near Creston, Iowa to Emmett and Anna Danielson. Bob's father passed away on Bob's 12th birthday and he and his mother moved into Creston with his grandfather. Bob had a paper route and did errands for the hotel and drug store to help his mother with a little money. His best friend's father had a small greenhouse and Bob worked there part time which was to later be his life's profession, flowers and plant production.
Bob graduated from Creston High School in 1943. The day after graduation, he took a bus to Des Moines to join the Navy. He went directly to training camp and then served for over 2 years in the South Pacific.
When his enlistment was over in 1946, he went home to Creston and then enrolled in
class at Iowa State University. With the help of the G.I. Bill and by working part time in greenhouses in Ames, he graduated in 1951 with a degree in Horticulture.
Bob's first job was in Winona, MN where he managed a large greenhouse for 11 years. After that he was requested to come to West Chicago, IL to interview for a job managing a greenhouse and trial grounds for Geo. J. Ball, Inc. The Ball Company even at that time was a well known firm all over the United States for sales of seeds, plants and other supplies for greenhouses and florists. Bob was given the job that day. Mr. Victor Ball then took Bob to meet Elaine Booth because Elaine did the cost accounting for the greenhouse crops. Bob called Elaine two months later and asked for a dinner date. Ten months later, Bob and Elaine were married! They were able to celebrate their 49th anniversary August 2 this year.
Bob was a very dedicated employee for Ball. He later worked for another Ball Company named Pan American Plant Co. which was primarily based in Cortez, Fl and later Parrish, Fl. Bob was a very hands on guy and helped set up standards for the production of mums and later kalanchoes and African violets. These cuttings and plants were shipped to Ball customers all over the United States. By this time Bob was vice-president of production for Pan Am Plant. Bob was considered very much of an expert in plant production and trained many employees in proper procedures and for disease control. Bob traveled extensively for the Ball Co. to visit customers and suppliers. He was always able to solve disease and production problems. He also traveled with Ball salesmen and with Mr. Victor Ball to visit customers and suppliers. He was well known all over the United States and still hears from people that he has worked with and known in the business.
Bob was a very active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Bradenton for many years. He was on the Board of Trustees, the Memorial Contributions group, the Prayer and Share group, the Thursday morning men's work group. He also was well remembered for the beautiful roses he had on the church grounds. Bob is also remembered at the church with his good friend, Clarence, as the Master Chefs for the church turkey dinners and the picnics. Bob was also a member of the American Legion in Bradenton and the National Audubon Society. Bob and Elaine enjoyed helping support several animal and bird groups as well as numerous humanitarian groups including the Salvation Army.
Bob and Elaine were able to do a lot of traveling prior to illnesses for both of them. In later years, as is the case with many older people, they traveled with cruises which are an easier way to travel.
Rest in peace, my dear wonderful Bob!
A memorial service will be held at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 5115 Cortez Rd. Bradenton, Fl Thursday, October 4,2012 at 11.00.a.m. Burial at Sarasota National Cemetery will not take place until the following week sometime. No definite date is known at this time. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209 in charge. Memorial contributions may be made either to the church or to the Humane Society of Manatee County, 2515 14th St. W.,34205. Condolences www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
