Daniel Mercado

Danny Mercado went to be with the Lord, November 5, 2012 after suffering from lung disease and congestive heart failure. He was born to Thelma and Antone Mercado June 12, 1940 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Danny joined the Air Force December 1959 serving in Japan and Victorville, CA until April 1964 when he was honorably discharged. He then worked at Honolulu Mountain Bell from 1968-1970. He married Becky Hunt in 1970 but later divorced. To that union were born Cherie in 1973 and Laura in 1974. He also worked for the Dept. of Agriculture briefly, before joining Xerox as a copy machine technician, in Bakersfield, CA, Rock Springs, WY and Cody, WY. In 1975 he moved back to Honolulu as a single dad. He attended Community College and University of Hawaii studying physics, but also loved history and literature. He was unable to finish college, so started to work for Cannon in 1981 as a copy machine technician, until April 1995 when he moved back to Montana. Again he found a job as a Cannon copy machine technician with Wickmans in Kalispell, MT. He moved to Helena in 1996 where he started work with Xerox. Danny married Sharon Idleman-Holmquist in 1997. After being laid off in 2000, he was offered a job with Sharp the day he interviewed as he was so talented in his field. He retired in 2003 and moved to Roundup, MT where they started a new adventure on a farm with horses, cows and poultry. He learned to use a chainsaw, swather, and tractor to mow, rake and bale hay. Danny loved to camp in Glacier Park, read, cook and had such a knack to fix and use anything-jack of all trades he was, with a great sense of humor which endeared him to many people. He loved to look out at the forest and pasture, enjoying the peace and freedom that country living can bring. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We wish to thank the VA for the excellent care he has received over the years and the wonderful friendships developed. Danny is survived by his loving wife of 15 years; his daughters Cherie Mercado Wright - Steven, Mykal, Kiana; Laura (Keith) Rhodes - Cynthia, Landyn; daughters by marriage Kimberly (Mike) Warren - Damien, Caetlyn; Karrie (Steve) Eaton - Kacie, Hazel, Arin; Krista (Zach) Crete - Jaela, Kira; sisters Anita, Delores; brother Ricky; sister-in-law Joan Mercado; mother-in-law Elfrieda Idleman and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Benjamin DeSoto, Angel DeSoto, Manuel Mercado, Gilbert Mercado, Johnny Mercado and sister Helen. Visitation will be 12 to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Funeral Service at noon Monday, November 12 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Montana State Veterans Cemetery Fort Harrison. If desired memorials may be made to Liberty House 3687 Veterans Drive, Fort Harrison, MT 59636 Attn: Kathleen Hanson, or a charity of your choice. Memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com