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 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 a 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 (Casey); grandchildren Orion (Tiara), Trinity (Shayne), Piper (Jose), Carter, Simon, Eliza, and Willa; 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 us” sisters Janet Cooper (Wade) Mary Kindt (Mike) sister in laws Leslie Guesanburu 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