Arvada, CO, CO - Arvada, CO - Daniel (Dan) Dickey, 86, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, in Arvada, CO, surrounded by those he loved. Born on October 9, 1939, Dan's quick wit, pleasant disposition, and love of life were an inspiration to all around him. Dan grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and was a proud graduate of Central High School. He continued his education at the U of M, earning an undergraduate degree in math and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.

Dan enjoyed a fulfilling career as a computer programmer and project manager with Control Data. His professional life was devoted to building computer systems that managed the flow of electricity in major metropolitan areas, including Albuquerque, NM; Caracas, Venezuela; and Cairo, Egypt.

Dan was deeply devoted to his family and friends. He was known for his sense of humor, sage advice, and willingness to help those in need, especially his loved ones. Dan had an insatiable reading habit with an interest in spy novels and autobiographies. Always an active person, Dan completed "twenty-some" marathons, an unknown number of half marathons, and one Iron Man Triathlon in which he placed third in his age group. Granted, there were only two participants. Yes, we know.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Linda Nelson; his children and their partners, Denise (Kevin) and David (Brooke); his stepdaughters, Erika (Jonathan) Nelson and Julianna Nelson, and his grandchildren, Otis, Cyrus, Eli, Daniel, Rebecca, Abby, and Will; brothers Jim and Jack; sisters Colleen, Pat, and Katie. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Norma Dickey (Matasovsky), brother Jerry, father Clarence (Curly), and mother Agatha.

Dan leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and unbridled humor. His habit of toasting virtually everything in life will endure with all who loved him. Those who knew him already miss his cheerful disposition, voluminous knowledge of seemingly useless knots, and yes, his dad jokes.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 1:00 pm at St. Leonard's Catholic Church, 3949 Clinton Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55409.