There will be a private funeral service for Daniel Michael John Maras.  Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2011 at Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland, MN.

Daniel Michael John Maras, age 28, passed away in Duluth, Minnesota, on December 4, 2011.  Dan was born on October 20, 1983, to Thomas and Denise (Byrne) Maras in Waseca, MN.  He attended schools in New Richland and Mapleton, Minnesota, graduating from Maple River High School in 2002.  After graduation, Dan moved to Duluth, Minnesota to attend Duluth Superior College.  He worked as a Program Developer and Client Enrichment Director for Innovative Living in Duluth.  He loved his job and took great pride in his work.  He especially found joy in his family away from his family, Scotty and Jordan.  Dan enjoyed playing the guitar, fishing, music, making others laugh, and attending Wide Spread Panic shows.  Dan especially enjoyed April Fools’ Day and playing pranks.   Dan’s family was very important to him, and he enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.  Dan lived his life to the fullest and had a heart for everyone.

Dan is survived by his parents Brian and Denise Esser, siblings Peter (Shannon) Esser, Brian (Kelly) Esser, Katherine (Chris) Haulter, Lori (Herb) Moon, Sarah (John) Maras, Jacob (Chelsie) Maras;  nieces and nephews:  Brody, Ava, Leigha, Ellie, Claire, Kiley, Max, Riley, Meghan, Dominic, Graysen, Kenley and Baby Maras.  Grandmothers:  Beatrice Esser and Barb Byrne; Aunts: Joan Baynes, Bonnie (Don) Root, Stephanie (Ron) Rahn and Ann Maras; Godparents:  Connie Berg and Michael Baynes; Special Friend: Emilie Hofer, and a great extended family.

Dan is preceded in death by his birth father, Tom Maras;  brothers Matthew and Benjamin; maternal and paternal grandparents, two uncles and one cousin.