SSgt Daniel Michael Putnam, beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend, passed away unexpectedly April 5, 2026, at the age 21 in Fargo, ND.

Daniel was born on July 14, 2004 to Daniel and Char Putnam in Rapid City, SD at Black Hills Medical Center. He was welcomed home by his big sister Charlee Anne. After 2 weeks in Rapid City the family moved to Frazee, MN. Danny began school at Frazee-Vergas Elementary eagerly following in his big sisters footsteps. He graduated 6th Grade with The Presidential Award in 2016. Moving up to 7th Grade to attend Frazee High School Fall of 2016. In Junior High he tried a few sports such as Football, Basketball, and Wrestling. One of his most memorable moments was receiving the Beast Mode Award from Coach Clay Nagel whom he greatly respected. During Danny’s senior year he decided to run track to prepare for Basic Training for the North Dakota Air National Guard. He never came close to winning a race but he continuously improved his PR while strengthening bonds with his closest friends. During High School his focus shifted to academics. His mission was to graduate with a 4.0 and he was successful for the most part, unfortunately in eighth grade he took a High School class and never escaped that dreaded B. Danny Graduated 3rd in the class of 2022. He was a member of the Minnesota High School Honor Society and graduated with honors.

SSgt Daniel Putnam enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard on December 3, 2021. After the completion of his senior year of high school, he attended Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas. Following his Basic Military Training, SSgt Putnam attended technical training at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, for Cyber Defense Operations, where he earned his Security Plus Certification. Upon completion of his technical training, SSgt Putnam was assigned to the 119th Operations Support Squadron, 119th Wing, Fargo, North Dakota. SSgt Putnam was deployed in Garrison where he provided critical communications support to his State and Nation in the execution of world-wide contingency operations. SSgt Putnam excelled as an airman which earned him the promotion to Staff Sergeant on February 1, 2026. Continuing his professional development, he also earned his Server+ and Linux+ certifications. He exemplified the Air Force core value of ‘excellence in all we do’ throughout his Air Force career. He was a true wingman to those that had the honor of serving with him.

While excelling and working for the Airforce Full time Danny attended NDSU as a full time student Fall of 2023 and Graduating with Honors with a BS in Computer Science December 2025.

Danny is survived by his Father Daniel (Sandie), Mother Char (Tyler), Sister Charlee (Jesse), Special Friend Alexia Weiss, and his loyal canine companion Blue. Grandparents Gerald and MaCrae Putnam, Don and Carol Amundson, many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. He is also survived by his Airforce Family of the 119th Air wing with the North Dakota Air National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his Grandmother Diane Putnam, Grandfather Leon Desplenter and his beloved Aunt Diann Mellon. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee, MN from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. a prayer service will be held at 7:00pm. Formal services will be held at the North Dakota National Guard Readiness Center in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, April 17, 2026, beginning at 9:30am with a visitation an hour prior. Burial will follow at the Fargo National Veterans Cemetery.