Danny Lynn Vrieze, 53, of Phoenix, Ariz., passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday with visitation beginning at 4:30 p.m. The Rev. John Holt will officiate.

Danny was born Sept. 4, 1957, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to Leonard and Kathy (Matoon) Vrieze. He attended Lake Mills Community School where he was active in football and wrestling. He enjoyed outdoor activities and being with friends and family. In his younger days he also enjoyed having nice cars and motorcycles. His hobbies were four wheeling, stock car racing, competing in tug of war and arm wrestling with his friend Dick Hanson.

He is survived by his mother, Kathy (Vrieze) Everette and her husband, Verle, of Britt, Iowa; daughter, Fallon Thom of Albert Lea; grandson, Layton Thom of Albert Lea; wife Barb Vrieze of Phoenix, Ariz.; stepdaughter, Jenna Trottier of Phoenix; two sisters: Debbie (Mike) Chisholm of Osage, Iowa, and Peggy (Craig) Adams of Albert Lea; brother, Randy (Sherry) Vrieze of Thompson, Iowa; grandmother, Sarah Mattoon of Britt, Iowa. Also survived by aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and relatives in the Netherlands.

Proceeded in death by his father, Leonard Vrieze; grandparents: Marm and Jenny Vrieze; grandfather, Lester Mattoon; brother-in-law, Jerry Nickson.

He will be missed by his family and friends.