Dr. Daniel Conrad

Dr. Daniel Conrad, Ph.D. in Education, passed away on June 30th, 2026, surrounded by his family. Dan was born on December 25th, 1938, in Minneapolis to Evald J. Conrad and Eleonora Conrad. He dedicated his professional life to education, teaching social studies, philosophy, and community involvement at Hopkins High School. At the University of Minnesota, he taught courses while also conducting research focused on social work, community engagement, and civic participation. In both his professional and personal life, Dan was deeply committed to learning, community involvement, philosophical thought, and the growth of others. He helped implement community involvement programs across the country, work for which he was recognized as a Presidential Point of Light. As a young man, he traveled to Georgia to support voter registration efforts during the Civil Rights Movement and later ran for public office. Throughout his life, he remained a steadfast advocate for equality, civic engagement, and public service. Following his retirement from education, Dan continued to pursue his passion for learning and equity through research, writing, and public presentations. His work explored the life and social justice advocacy of Amelia Earhart, as well as the history of women's basketball in Minnesota, with a special focus on his two aunts, who were captains of the Cokato women's basketball team in the 1920s. He found great joy in sharing his research and inspiring others through his scholarship. A lifelong learner and historian, Dan had a deep interest in history and genealogy, particularly researching his Swedish ancestry and family heritage. He also enjoyed reading history, philosophy, and murder mysteries, traveling, attending operas and orchestral performances, and embracing opportunities to learn throughout his life. Dan is survived by his sons, Jeremy (Leah) and Mark; and his beloved grandchild, Adrianna. He is also survived by his brother, Jonathan (Vernette), and many extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and students. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane, his parents, and his siblings, Grace, Gloria, and Tim. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 5011 Newton Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419, with a remembrance at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend at any time during the afternoon. Instead of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness and support for education or women's sports in Dan's memory.

Dr. Daniel Conrad

December 25, 1938 - June 30, 2026

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