Daniel Mapes

Daniel Charles Mapes died peacefully at his home in Orlando, Florida at the age of 36. 

Danny was born on June 28, 1985 in Fargo, North Dakota to Gary and Sharon (Hulst) Mapes.  Danny attended West Fargo High School graduating in 2004, and also attended Minnesota State University Moorhead (MN).

Danny was born with spina bifida, and although he had physical limitations, his dreams and heart knew no limits.  He was not afraid to dream big and taught others to do the same. He spent his life following his passions and overcoming the odds.

Some of his greatest passions in life included music, golf, Disney, his family and friends, and most importantly teaching. Growing up around teachers, he found his calling at an early age and used that strength throughout his life. More than just his contributions in teaching and coaching golf and baseball, he taught everyone that he met how to be a better person and to enjoy life a bit more.

Danny also had a love for trivia, and cherished his time spent with friends, displaying his vast knowledge of all things. He also harbored great interest in the weather, which between North Dakota and Florida, provided him the full spectrum of extremes. He would often study the clouds and the forecast and was always on the lookout for upcoming storms and weather patterns. He could always be counted on to keep everyone up to date and make sure everyone was safe whether at home or on the road.

For many years, Danny worked for the West Fargo Park District as a youth baseball coach and mentor. He was then presented with an opportunity to work with 32 Below, one of his favorite country music bands and a group of people who would become like family to him. This afforded him the chance to immerse his life in music and travel the U.S. while making countless friends and memories along the way.

In 2015, Danny made the decision to move to Orlando, Florida to attend the Golf Academy of America. He was the first disabled student to both attend and graduate from the Academy, which he did in 2016. During college, Danny was involved in Little Linksters, a youth golf instruction program. He eventually found his place in the world of golf at the McCord-Brown Golf Academy as a golf instructor.

In addition to his love of teaching and golf, Danny always had a love for all things Disney. He was fortunate enough to live close to Disney World, which allowed him to visit the parks quite often. So often, in fact, that he had a blog dedicated to helping visitors with tips, tricks and recommendations on the best ways to spend a vacation at Disney.

Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Danny instantly knew that their life had been changed for the better. His radiant smile and passion made him larger than life and everyone that he met was a friend for life. His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Danny is survived by his father Gary; brother Brian, nephews Cole and Karson, and niece Drew; brother Chris (Kelly), nephews Cooper and Hudson, and niece Regan; brother Jeff, nephews Spencer and Reed, and niece Gracyn; Jayne Mapes and Melissa Mapes. He is preceded in death by his mother Sharon and grandparents Ruth and Frank Mapes, and Lura and Orville Hulst.

Visitation: Friday, January 14, 2022 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.  The prayer service will be livestreamed by Faith Journey Lutheran Church, click on the link below in the services area to view it.

Service:   Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 1 PM at Faith Journey Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND with visitation one hour before service.  The funeral service will be livestreamed by Faith Journey Lutheran Church, click on the link below in the services area to view it.

Interment:  Horace Lutheran Cemetery, Horace, North Dakota

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

            westfuneralhome.com

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