RAPID CITY | Albert Aaron Daniels II, 85, passed away Monday, Feb. 22, 2021 surrounded by the love of his life and family.

Al was a bigger than life man in so many ways. Standing 6'5' tall he was a gentle giant. Al was a jack-of-all-trades and "could fix anything." He was kind, funny, wise, and above all a family man.

His love story began June 27, 1959 when he married Joan Elizabeth Albertus. They remained happily married for nearly 62 years -- working, playing, cruising the world, and creating memories along the way. Al was so proud of the family he had created and you could always find him at the mall bragging to his early morning workout group.

Al was an offensive lineman for the Nebraska Huskers and remained a lifelong fan. He had a passion for cars that extended well beyond business and he was able to make a career out of his passion for nearly 40 years. He owned his own business, Al's Service Garage, for seven years and worked as a manager for several other auto businesses. He spent 25 years managing the Ellsworth AFB Auto Hobby Shop until his retirement in 1996.

Al was an active member of the Shriner's participating in their clown division as he was always a jokester.

Al is survived by his wife, Joan Daniels; sister, Doris Schenk; three children, Albert Aaron Daniels III (Rocky), Sandi Joan Hanson and Debbi Denise Clausen; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Cleo Daniels and granddaughter, Kilee Aaron Daniels.

Al built a beautiful life alongside his wife and family. His remembrance will be a celebration of this life in the Summer of 2021, with details to be determined at a later date.