Danial Joseph Zwierzyna, 56, of Sweet Home passed away Wednesday. He was born in Norridge, Illinois to Joseph and Jean (Kiolbassa) Zwierzyna.

He entered the Navy following graduation from high school. He was honorably discharged in San Diego in 1976 and moved to Sweet Home a couple of years later.

Dan went to school on the GI Bill. He received an Associates Degree in turf management, small motor, and botany. He worked for Linn County Maintenance Department for about five years before working for VanEssen Nursery. He finally owned his own business, Cascade Bonsai, for 15 years with his partner, Don Pope.

Dan married Jayme Anderson on August 2, 2003.

He enjoyed gardening, working in his yard, and helping fellow veterans. He loved “playing in his forest,” fishing, and camping.

Danial is survived by: his wife, Jayme Zwierzyna of Sweet Home; son, Nick Zahler of Sweet Home (currently in school in Moscow, Idaho); mother, Jean Zwierzyna of Rockford, Illinois; sisters, Joyce Creighton of Rockford, Illinois, Lynda Epperson of Chicago, Illinois, and Nancy and her husband Don Bergman of Shomberg, Illinois; two step children that he raised, Scott and his wife Elaine Timm of Lebanon and Shannon and her husband Scott Watson of Portland; two grandchildren; and seven nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 19, 2011 at his home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.