Current Services

Daniel Mark Valdez
09-09-2024

Daniel Mark Valdez of Tempe, AZ passed away unexpectedly on September 9, 2024, in Canoga Park, CA. He was only 55 years old.

Danny was born in Los Angeles CA. to Roland Raul Valdez Sr. and Judith Lynn Valdez on November 10 1968. He was just 5 years old when he moved to Montrose, SD. In 1973. For the next 10 years he resided in SD where he attended West Central Elementary in Humbolt and Edison Jr. High in Sioux Falls. Danny and his family would then embark in another adventure back to Cali in 1983. Where he then attended Canoga Park High School. After high school he went to work for his uncle Richard and would deliver medical transcripts all over the Valley and LA.

In August of 1987 he met the love of his life and best friend Dana Goluza. Who gave him two sons, Andrew, and Aaron Valdez.

In 1992 he went to work for his brother-in law Allen Stockwell, and his brother Dean at SoDak Enterprises. He was their very first employee. In 2004 Al and Dean sold the business to Aqua Systems in Canoga Park, Ca., and he continued to work there until the day he passed. In 2005 he, Dana and the boys moved to Arizona, and he commuted back and forth from AZ to CA regularly for work.

Danny enjoyed playing basketball, fishing, and shooting guns. He also loved to cook and spend time with his family. He was an avid Monopoly player and always enjoyed playing board games with his mom and siblings. He also loved the 4th of July. That was a time for family. Every year we would celebrate the fourth in SD. The family would come and stay at Lake Vermillion where his sister Deb lives. We enjoyed being together and taking golf cart cruises, swimming, playing games, cooking, eating, and of course delicious beverages shared by all. But the best part was when Uncle Danny went to buy fireworks. The kids of course went with him and then got to enjoy the shenanigans of him blowing things up afterwards. He loved to laugh and joke around and always had a wise crack or funny names for things or people (some very choice ones, of which we cannot mention) Haha! He always thought he was so creative.

Danny and Dana purchased forty acres of land in Woodland Valley Ranch just outside of St. Johns, AZ. For their retirement, and now will be Danny's final resting place.

Danny was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Ricky, brother-in- law, Allan Stockwell, his aunt, Mary Smith, and both paternal and maternal grandparents. Danny is survived by Dana, his (best friend) Tempe, AZ her mother, Linda Goluza, Tempe AZ, sons, Andrew Valdez, Sioux Falls, SD and Aaron Valdez (Stephanie) Maricopa, AZ, sister, Deb Stockwell Canistota, SD, brother, Ronnie Valdez (Deb) Murfreesboro, TN, sister, Lia Valdez (Fred) of Sioux Falls, SD ,sister, Jennifer King (Dewey) of Winnsboro, LA, and uncle, Jim (Smitty) Smith Sioux Falls, SD. His nieces and nephews, Tara, Brandon, Evan, Jazmine, Alyvia, Meagan, and great-nephew Luka. As well as his very precious granddaughter, Layla James.

Celebration of Life/Birthday Party for Dan: Shenanigans - November 9, 2024, from 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm. Family will be present. We will be serving appetizers and dessert.