Daniel Joseph Guesanburu was born March 3, 1949, in Buffalo, Wyoming, to Michel Guesanburu and Mary Helen (Washut) Guesanburu. He was later joined by siblings Robert and Janet before the family moved to Montana in 1952. They made their home west of Jordan, where 4 more siblings were added to the family, George, Mary, Barbara and Michael. Daniel attended Garfield County schools while working on the family ranch. When his dad passed away in 1968, Daniel took over the ranch, proving early on that hard work wasn’t optional—it was simply how things were done.
Daniel was blessed to have one true love. In 1972, he married Audrey Ryan, beginning a partnership built on love, loyalty, and a whole lot of shared life. To this union they were joined by two daughters, Eva in 1978 and Kristy in 1982. Though they did not arrive in the conventional way, they were loved every single minute as if they had, and then some.
Once the family was complete, they moved to Jordan, where Daniel went to work for the county road department. He spent 25 years working for the county, earning not only a paycheck but also many lasting friendships—and a reputation for being dependable, hardworking, and always ready with a grin. Daniel didn’t believe much in slowing down. After retirement, he made sure he stayed busy farming for his good friend John D. Murnion and feeding cattle for another good friend, Glen Beecher. Retirement, in Daniel’s mind, just meant working without a schedule and being able to tell anyone no.
Daniel was an avid hunter and fisherman, an accomplished marksman, and took great pride in teaching others how to be disciplined, safe shooters—usually with patience, encouragement, and the occasional well-earned correction. To many, Daniel was known as “Jolly Old St. Nick,” thanks to his white beard, rosy red cheeks, and joyful demeanor. He had a way of making people smile just by showing up, and his presence alone could brighten the room. Daniel never missed an opportunity to teach someone how to Polka or waltz. He loved to dance with his girls. And finally, Daniel was a piss poor loser at cribbage, but that never stopped him. He would never pass up an opportunity to play a hand—or to teach someone how to play—usually while explaining exactly how he should have won. Daniel touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Audrey Guesanburu; daughter Eva Sybrant (Tim); daughter Kristy Harbaugh (Casey); grandchildren Orion Thompson (Tiara), Trinity Thompson (Shayne), Piper Harbaugh (Jose), Carter Burman, Simon Harbaugh, Eliza Harbaugh, and Willa Harbaugh; step-grandchildren Kylee Burman, Sebastian Sybrant, and Declan Sybrant; and great-grandchildren OakLynn Mittleider, Leonidas Thompson, Maximus Thompson, and baby girl Isaias, on the way.
Daniel was preceded in death by parents Michel and Mary Guesanburu; brothers Micheal, George and Robert; sisters Barb David and Margaret Ann Fogle and brother-in-law Gale Fogle.
He is survived “by his” sisters Janet Cooper (Wade) Mary Kindt (Mike) sister in laws Leslie Guesanburu (Jack Ross) and Kim Guesanburu. Brother-in-law Gerald David and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist’s Catholic Church in Jordan followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church in Jordan. Rite of Committal will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church
412 Leavitt Avenue
Jordan, Montana 59337
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church
412 Leavitt Ave.
Jordan, Montana 59337
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 27, 2025
St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church
412 Leavitt Avenue
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church
412 Leavitt Avenue
Jordan, Montana 59337
Rosary Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday December 26, 2025
St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church
412 Leavitt Ave.
Jordan, Montana 59337
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 27, 2025
St. John the Baptist's Catholic Church
412 Leavitt Avenue
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Rita Wemmer says
Audrey and family ❤️
Daniel, such a wonderful man. Will always remember him as neighbor when I was young and a hard working guy who made the county roads safe!!
I am so very sorry for your loss. Memories are precious and will forever be with you. Be strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. Love and prayers for all. ❤️🙏
Howard Shawver says
Audrey,Eva, and Kristy
I am sorry to hear about Daniel. He was a good man
Cheri & Tim Hafla says
Audrey and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Remember the good times, he was a wonderful man. Hugs and prayers.
Don and BeLinda Higbee says
Audrey and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Daniel was a great guy and he will be missed. You are all in our prayers.
Jenny Frady says
Audrey and girls and family ,
I so sorry for your loss. may his soul rest in peace ,
Cindy Stanton says
To all Daniel’s family,
Im so sorry for your loss. Daniel was a good guy and will certainly be missed in the whole Garfield county community. May God give you strength and comfort to get through the coming times. I know you will all be reunited.
Cindy Stanton & family
Jim and Kathy Bowers says
So sorry for your loss, Audrey and family. May God wrap his arms around you in this time of greif.
Linda Wolff says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It is unbelievable hard but just know that it does get better and you have lots of friends and family to help you through it.
Sally Ness says
Audrey and family: So very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all at this most difficult time. God be with you all.
Howard Shawver says
Audrey,Eva,and Kristy
Sorry for your loss. Daniel was a good man
Roy and Connie Milroy says
Audrey and family,so sorry to hear of your loss of Daniel, I’m thankful for all the years you had together, but that doesn’t make it any easier Daniel. Was a classmate and friend through all our school years.Gods blessings to you and your family through this time
Doug Benge says
Audrey and all Guesanburu family:
I have very fond memories of Dan and all Guesanburu family. They were clients for many years. Always very knowledgeable, courteous, and a genuine pleasure to be with. Heartfelt condolences and best wishes to all.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy
Richard&Pam Galla says
Sorry for your loss
Bill/Madonna Ryan says
We will miss his face and his humor and his knowledge he seemed to be a humble person and was pleasant to be around, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends
Donovan Currey says
Sending prayers and Blessings to Audrey and family. Daniel was truly a wonderful man, father and friend, and will certainly be missed. One of the amazing moments I spent with Daniel was when he stopped by John D and Mary’s house to drop off an accordion that he had borrow over the winter. Daniel could not read music and had taught himself to play, totally by ear. The hit song Kiss an Angle good morning had just come out and Mary had the record. Daniel listened to it 3 or 4 times and could play the song 100% on that accordion. I was totally in awe. Very talented and wonderful person. RIP Daniel
Kathryn says
Audrey, Eva, Kristi and all the Guesanburu clan. It goes without saying how highly I think of Daniel. He has been a part of my life since he and Audrey first got together. They clicked right away and gave a new meaning to happiness. I always asked Daniel to play his accordion when we visited them. He would pretend to be reluctant, but he never refused. His kindness and sincerity showed even in his music. Audrey, you made the best choice possible when you agreed to be Daniel’s partner for life. My thoughts, hugs and prayers are with you, even though I can’t be there.
Al and Sandy Cameron says
Audrey and family, Mary and family, Janet and family,
So sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. He and Audrey were always helping out someone. He and Audrey were very good to Mrs. Cameron through the years, making sure her wood box was full for winter.
Karen Barnes says
My sympathy to all of the Daniel Guesanburu family – Daniel was truly one of the good guys of the world and will be missed by all who knew him – I always enjoyed visiting with him. May all your good memories bring you comfort. God Bless all.
Susan Ochs says
Audrey and family sorry to hear about the loss of Daniel. Hugs and prayers.
Brandi Beecher Harlow says
Audrey and family-
So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.
Floyd and Kay Beecher says
Rest in peace Daniel. Our heartfelt condolences to all of your family.
Laurie Sullivan says
So sorry for your loss. May treasured memories carry you through this sorrowful time.
Glenn and Katie Hageman says
So sorry to hear of Daniel’s passing. He was a great classmate of ours and a good friend of Glenn’s. Kind and gentle giant of a man. I will always remember his generous wedding gift he gifted to us. May you all find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Roxie Saylor says
Condolences to all of Daniels family.Cherish the memories and all the good times Always remember going to the ranch for Christmas ,what fun we all had .A Golden Heart stopped beating,two working hands at rear,God broke your hearts to prove he only takes the best .REST IN PEACE DANIEL
Joe and Lori Amestoy says
Audry and Guesanburu family. So sorry for your loss. May Daniel rest in peace.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family on your loss. He will be missed in the community. May all your wonderful memories be with you in the days ahead. God Bless!
Debbie Weyer says
so very sorry for your loss Audrey & family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Donald & Betty Lou Weeding says
So sorry for Audrey and all the Guesanburu families . Daniel was such a great guy. God Bless you all .
phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Danials Family Danial was a Good man who will be missed by all who knew him . Hang on to all of the good memories May you find Comfort in them . Phil has lots of stories from work Love and May God Bless all of you .
Glenn Crawford says
My condolences to Daniel’s family and friends.
I benefited from being around him.
Dawn Schmidt says
I’m so sorry to hear this. God bless this family – all are such wonderful people.