Daran Merle Atkinson, 51, of Lake City, passed away late Monday evening, September 19, 2022, as the results of a motorcycle accident. He was born May 15, 1971, in Red Wing. Daran graduated from Goodhue High School in 1989 and went on to obtain a master's degree in Nursing. He proudly served his country in the US Marines from October 2, 1989 – August 30, 1993 and served in the Persian Gulf.

Daran was employed as a Register Nurse at Gunderson St. Elizabeths Hospital in Wabasha. He was a motorcyclist and mechanic, he especially enjoyed rebuilding and tinkering with bikes. Daran loved his family and was a wonderful son, father, and grandfather, "Papa Daran", he will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was a member of the Zumbro Falls VFW.

Daran is survived by his children, Christopher (Courtney) Atkinson of West Concord, and Cassandra (Marvin Haas) Atkinson of Westfield, WI; grandchildren, Wyatt, Everly, Tilley, Izzie, Renely, and Ameila; his father, Curtis (Deb) Atkinson of Zumbro Falls, his mother, Kathy (Jim) Zwiener of Lake City; brother, Corey (Erica) Atkinson of Rosemount; step-sisters, Stephanie Zwiener and Michelle (Matt) Zwiener Roelofs both of Rochester; step-brothers, Craig (Amy) Zwiener of Rochester, Tad Banitt of Dodge Center, and Peter Banitt of Bellechester; and his significant other, Lori Voigt of Lake City. He was preceded in death by his brother, Justin.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel with Pastor Dan Reich officiating. Burial will follow in Lincoln Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lake City. Military Rites will be by the Zumbro Falls VFW Post #1802. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.