About Dan Olav Laksfoss
Dan Olav Laksfoss, age 82, of Queens Creek, Arizona died August 21st, 2021. Born on June 20th,1939, he was the son of the late Olav Magnus Laksfoss and Sigrid Elisabeth Moe Laksfoss. Dan grew up in Oslo, Norway until moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1962. Soon after arriving in the United States, he met the love of his life, Judith Yanosek Laksfoss, in Chicago at Butch McGuire’s, and they were married at the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Chicago in 1963. Dan attended Northwestern University where he received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1966, before starting a 50-year career as a Certified Public Accountant. Dan began his accounting career at Price Waterhouse in Chicago, and subsequently was a tax executive at Teledyne and at Litton Industries. Later in his career, Dan was partner at the accounting firm Leslie, Wallace, and Associates in Los Angeles. While at Litton, Dan served as the President of the Tax Executives Institute Los Angeles chapter.
Dan had a love of classic sports cars, good food and wine, and travel. He was a supportive husband, father and grandfather, and was well respected by his friends and extended family.
Dan is survived by his wife, Judith of 58 years, his daughter, Adrienne Laksfoss of Los Angeles, CA, his grandson, Jacob Laksfoss of Los Angeles, CA, his sister, Liv Laksfoss of Haugesund, Norway, and 6 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jan Laksfoss and Tom Laksfoss.
A memorial for Dan will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Gilbert Memorial Park in Gilbert, AZ. Online condolences may be expressed at Gilbertmemorialpark.com
Honoring Your Loved Ones
Condolences
12 comments
ago
Strange to see when former classmates no longer are among us. Dan and I spent 3 years together at Oslo Handelsgymnasium up to 1959, and I remember him as a nice and friendly boy. I would not say we were close friends, but every day we took the tram together to and from school. A bit on the shy side perhaps, but so was I. What I remember best, was that he desperately wanted to become an American, and so he did indeed! We never had contact after 1959, but when I saw that he had died, I felt sorry. So many people, so many lives. But I understand that he had a good life in California, and that makes me feel good. He was born in Danzig, wasn’t he, therefore his name. He must have told me that some time on the way to school. Memories are strange – often.
ago
Hi Judy, I was happy to hear from you but sad to hear that your husband had passed. I pray that warm memories of happier times will lessen the pain of his loss.
ago
Our deepest condolences to aunt Judy, cousin Adrienne and Jacob. We will always remember Dan for his generous ways, interest in car-paint, jogging, contagious laughter and more. I remember the magical trip to California with the whole family when I was 17. We stayed with you in San Fernando Valley and I got to know you and your home. We also spent a 4th of July in Sea World San Diego – together. Dan warned me about the spicy melted cheese on top of the tortillas and I learned the difference between “hot” and “hot.” The following year I was invited back before returning to Norway after my exchange year in Canada. I was so happy Dan and Judy made it to our wedding 20 years ago. We have so many fond memories of other visits, the last one just 2 years ago. I am so thankful for having had uncle Dan in my life and I will never forget you.
ago
My deepest condolences to Judy, Adrienne and Jacob. I was so sorry to hear about Dan. Dan was a gentle man. He was caring, warm and kind. I loved him very much and I will really miss him. He was so lovely to meet and also talk to. My father loved the USA and When Dan was 14,our family travelled over the ocean to live in Traverse City, Michigan. We stayed there for nearly 2 years. When we moved back home, Dan had lost his heart to this continent. After finishing school, he travelled to Chicago and stayed there ever since. Two years ago in May, Dan and Judy visited Norway. And we had a wonderful time with them. They visited both Stig and Ann Elisabeth with their families. After Dan and Judy went home I called him and he was so happy about the trip. He wanted to come back soon and stay for a long time. Dan also cared a lot for my parents and they went over to visit them quite often. My brother Dan meant a lot to me and will be deeply missed.
ago
My deepest condolences to Judy, Adrienne, Jake, and family for your loss. Dan was kind, thoughtful, giving and a great friend for 60 years. I was best man at Dan & Judy’s wedding and over the years we shared many holidays and vacations with family and friends including Disneyland with Adrienne and my daughter Samantha. More recently memories include a trip Dan and I took to October Fest in Munich. Dan’s love of beer was a close second to good wine. Dan and Judy’s visits to Las Vegas were filled with laughter good food and wine. Dan you will be missed.
ago
My deepest condolences to Judy, Adrienne and Jacob. I was so sorry to hear about Dan. He was my dear Brother. He was a gentle man. He was kind and caring. It was always nice to meet him and also talk on the Phone. My father loved the USA and wanted to live there. So our family took the boat in 1954. We lived in Traverse City, Michigan. Dan was 14 years old and fell in love with this continent. We went back home after 2 years. After finishing school, Dan went back. And stayed there for the rest of his life. But he always kept in contact with his family and friends. Dan and Judy visited Norway 2years ago in May. We had a wonderful time together and When they came home, he called me to say that he loved it and that they would come back in the autumn and stay for a long term. I loved my Brother very much and will think about him in loving memory.
ago
Our heartfelt condolences to Judy, Adrienne and Jacob. We loved and deeply respected Dan. A man with warmth, wisdom and integrity. I have fond memories from visiting California and visits here in Norway aa well as his close relationship to my father, his brother. Some great memories are; a tour on the Ducati to Malibu, a visit to George’s, him lending me his car first day in LA, his support, laughter and especially the last visit to LA as well as Judy and Dan’s arrival in Oslo the morning our girls were born. The girls remember him and Judy, and refer to the tall uncle and fun auntie bringing Great Disney stuff ! We will miss him. Cathrine & Vidar, Leah & Celia.
ago
I wish to send my deepest condolences to aunt Judy, Adrienne, Jacob, my mother Liv and all of uncle Dan’s family and friends. I have found memories from our first visit to L.A. in 1987, and also when you lovingly invited grandfather Olav after grandmother died. I remember uncle Dan as a man of high integrity that gave me sound advice when I had to make the decision of whether to stay in the US and go to college or go back home at the end of my year as an exchange student in WI. I remember fondly the story of when he was caught speeding on a motorbike on the highway and the cop asked him “what grandpa was doing out speeding?”, I guess that’s when he dyed his hair. It has always been a pleasure to see our distant family and I will miss uncle Dan. My deepest sympathy to Judy, Adrienne, Jacob and family.
ago
I am so saddened to hear this. I respected Dan professionally and personally and consider it a privilege that I was able to know him. I send my sympathy to Judy and family.
ago
I remember Dan from 1955/56 when he became my school mate at Valler Scool, Baerum, Norway. He had just arrived from US and spoke English fluently. All his class mates envied him! He became very popular and well liked. It is good to know that he has had a good life. Thogh I have not seen him since for more than 65 years , I felt sad reading to-days announcement! Thinking of Dans family! Hans Johan (Storesund)
ago
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We will always remember Dan for his kindness, warm smile and gentle soul. It is an honor to have known him and we will cherish his friendship forever.
ago
I’ll miss you visiting me in SunCity, I’ll miss you very much Dan,