Daniel Robert Timlin

DANIEL ROBERT TIMLIN, age 60 of Mankato, earned his heavenly wings when his ALS journey came to an end on Sunday, June 26, 2022 in the comforts of his home surrounded by his wife and children.

Born on March 27, 1962 in Waseca. Dan was the son of James and Margaret “Peggy” (Murphy) Timlin. Dan attended several schools growing up, but the Mapleton “Scots” were his high school home. Football and wrestling were his passion until a knee injury prevented him from finishing playing his senior year. Dan graduated in 1980 with some extraordinary classmates who later played a very powerful role in his life and to his family.

Dan went on to attend Mankato State University to study law enforcement, a career he had known he wanted to pursue since he was a very small boy. He was offered his first law enforcement position in Winnebago. Dan married Barb Rath from Easton and they moved to Waseca where they raised their two children but later divorced. Dan was with the Waseca Police Department where he served over 20 years. He had the privilege of knowing and working with some highly respected and exceptional officers, dispatchers, jailers, county workers, judges, and those in the Sheriff’s department.

He enjoyed drives with his sons to find old abandoned bridges, metal detecting, fishing, gun range, collecting old items most people would toss, strolling museums, and backyard bean bags with his family and friends. Dan was a numbers and dates guy, ask him any random year current or previous century and he could tell you something that happened. He would have made a great historian or history teacher as a secondary career.

Dan was fortunate to find love again and married Renee (Recknor) Sass in 2017. Little did he know the significant “rock” Renee would be. For better or worse, in sickness and in health was true to life.

After a major knee replacement surgery, Dan was able to walk and work again and went on to be General Manager of a non-emergency medical transportation company, Kato Cab. He oversaw the office manager, dispatchers, mechanics, bookkeeping and all day-to-day operations.

An ALS diagnosis was stricken not only to Dan, but also the family. Together they traveled his journey side by side. Every set back was now the “new norm.” Dan was a true inspiration to many as he met every ALS challenge with such grace and determination. His motto was “I am not afraid to die, just in no hurry.” With his Christian belief, Dan knew he was going to a glorious place one day. He now embraces all those who have passed and all ailments have been abolished. He is walking and pacing with our Heavenly Father. Dan’s memory will live on in our hearts, conversations, and wonderful memories.

Dan is survived by his wife, Renee Timlin; two sons, Zach Timlin and Carter Timlin; and two stepchildren, Lawrence Sass and Amanda Sass. He is also survived by five siblings, Steve (Bev) Timlin of WI, Terry (Elke) Timlin of AZ, Kari Ann Timlin of Faribault, Jay Timlin of Wells, and Gina (Joel) Ard of OR; mother-in-law, Marilyn Recknor of Waseca and brother-in-law, Jeff Recknor of Albert Lea. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Timlin and Peggy Thompson; brother, Rick Timlin; brother-in-law, Dan Joel; and stepson, Andrew Sass.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca followed by a prayer service. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Waseca.