Daniel Zamlen
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Daniel Frank Rakovetz Zamlen, 19 of Eveleth was found Friday, May 1, 2009 in St. Paul, MN. He was born April 8, 1990, in Duluth to Dale P. and Sally L. (Rakovetz) Zamlen. Dan loved learning about history, especially World War II and driving his Tahoe. At the age of 9, he insisted his parents take him to see Pearl Harbor, which they did. As a 6th grader his history project was on D-Day to honor his grandfather and when he was 13years old, Dan was honored to shake Paul Wellstone's hand at the 4th of July parade and because of that he became a devoted DFL Campaigner in 2004. He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, an altar server, catechism teacher and his favorite season of the church was Easter Week. Dan was also an Eagle Scout and an accomplished pianist, having played in many recitals. He lettered in three sports; cross country, Nordic skiing and track. Dan was a writer and lead editor of the Generation W, a member of the orchestra, band, National Honor Society locally and nationally. Also in high school, Dan was a member of IRYA, student representative for the school board, peer mediator, 8th grade state speech participant in extemporaneous speaking, honorary member of Duluth East Nordic ski team and a member of Boys State. He had traveled to Washington D.C. with Close-Up, New York City with the orchestra, Orlando, Florida with the band and Biloxi, Mississippi with Habitat for Humanity, to help rebuild New Orleans after the hurricane. Prior to starting college, Dan worked at Mittal Steel the summer of 2008.
Dan was a 2008 graduate of Virginia High School with enough college credits to start at the University of St. Thomas as a sophomore student last fall. While at St. Thomas he was a member of the National Collegiate Scholars and a Tommie Ambassador. He was awarded the following scholarships; UST Trustee, UST Academic, Arcelor Mittal, Robert Byrd Honors, Generation W., Frank A. and Margaret E. Kuberka Scholarships and the following awards; UST Award, U.S. Marine Distinguished Athlete, Blue Pride and Triple A Awards in Arts, Athletics and Academics. Dan will be remembered for his faith, thoughtfulness, kindness, his smile, gentle manner and his thirst for knowledge in all areas.
He is survived by his parents, Dale and Sally Zamlen of Eveleth; sister, Andrea at home; his dog "Buddy"; grandmother, Mabel Zamlen of Eveleth; aunt, uncles and cousins; Linda Rakovetz (Pat Molick) and Allison of Britt; David (Roberta) Zamlen and Brenda Zamlen and Andrew all of Sartell and Robert Zamlen of Chisholm; Duane Zamlen of Eveleth and Kassi Zamlen of Lake Vermilion and Donald Zamlen of Eveleth.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Frank Zamlen; his grandparents and best friends, Frank "Kobe" and Marjorie (Pufall) Rakovetz.
