Dan Asikainen Obituary – The Reno Journal-Gazette and Mason Valley News
Dan Asikainen
1942 – 2022 – Dan’s Celebration of Life will be held on May 5th at the Washoe County Golf Course from 4-6 pm. Please RSVP by April 29th to:
Dan Asikainen passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 17th after suffering a heart attack. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by Caroline, his wife, Camie Baker Adema, stepdaughter, Eric Adema, son-in-law, Kinsley Adema, granddaughter, and brother, Steve and wife, Teryl Asikainen. He was predeceased by David Asikainen, son, and Clint Baker, stepson.
Dan was born in Vancouver, Washington on September 7th, 1942. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Oregon where he graduated from Springfield High School in 1960. After graduation, he joined the Air Force where he was stationed at Stead as a helicopter mechanic from 1962-1966. His time at Stead introduced him to the natural beauty and wonderful people of Nevada, and also enabled him to indulge in two of his favorite activities – golfing and fishing. Some of his fondest memories were when he was a student at UNR and worked at the Nugget as a bell hop and wrote Keno. He had many adventures and loved meeting new people from all over the country.
In 1969, Dan graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Civil Engineering degree and started work at Sharp-Krater & Associates. He then joined Sierra Pacific Power Company, where he spent the next 20 years in various capacities, including roles in Land Surveying, Gas and Water Engineering, and Oil and Gas Exploration. He was a State Registered Engineer and Land Surveyor.
After Sierra Pacific, Dan went on to start his own franchise of “Speedy Sign*A*Rama” as well as working for private consulting firms.
Dan’s sense of humor was ever present. Everyone around him loved his quick wit and ability to tease with a soft, loving touch. Some of Dan’s favorite times were on the golf course. He could often be found at Washoe County Golf Course teaching David or playing with friends or Caroline. He also spent a lot of time fishing with his best friend, Brand Duc.
Dan loved vintage cars and going to Hot August Nights. He owned a 1963 white Chevrolet truck that he enjoyed driving. Dan was a long-time member of the Reno Elks Club where he enjoyed many fun times. Dan’s roots were from Finland, so he often attended the Saint Urho’s Day Celebration.
Dan was an avid griller whether on his BBQ or Traeger. His specialty was ribs that took all day to prepare. He also was a connoisseur of clam chowder and chicken wings. Some of Dan’s favorite places were Lake Tahoe, particularly Club Tahoe, Bodega Bay and visiting Camie in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Donations can be made to the Barney Bell Youth Scholarship at the Washoe County Golf Course (2601 Foley Way, Reno 89509), Attention: Darin Menante. Please add “In Memory of Dan Asikainen” when making the donation.
He will always hold a special place in the hearts of family and friends.
Posted online on April 12, 2022
Published in Reno Gazette-Journal