Danny Phan Tollestrup

Danny Phan Tollestrup, born on July 1, 1979, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the age of 45. Danny was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to Paul and Phan Tollestrup. His early childhood was spent in Hawaii, California and Utah. He moved to Boise in 1995 after his parents passed away to live with his sister Kristie.

 He graduated from Boise High School in 1997. Later in his adult life, Danny moved to Utah where he spent many years working for his brother Scott at DST Distributors.

Danny’s life was defined by love, resilience, and complexity. Born with a passion for sports, he excelled in baseball during his youth. As a starting pitcher for the Boise High School baseball team, Danny’s skill and teamwork contributed to winning two state championships, an achievement he cherished throughout his life.

He took immense pride in his Vietnamese heritage and Hawaiian roots, which played a significant role in shaping his identity. He often shared their rich traditions, specifically his love of both Vietnamese and Hawaiian cuisine, with those around him. He took a trip to Vietnam in 2010 to reconnect with his mother’s family and learn more about her life there. He also took many trips to Hawaii in his adult life to spend time with his Hanai family.

Danny’s journey was marked by profound challenges. Losing both of his parents to cancer at a young age, he was blessed with a large extended family who helped support him during this time. Despite facing these and other personal struggles, Danny found solace in life’s simple joys. He loved to fish, especially reliving cherished memories at Strawberry Lake where he once fished with his father. An avid golfer, he approached the challenge of the game with a fiercely competitive spirit.

Danny is survived by his loving siblings: Vickie (David) Applegate, Robyn (Rick) Eldard, Kristie Browning, Andree Malang, Scott (Shawna) Tollestrup, Jason (Jessica) Tollestrup, and Derek (Rachel) Tollestrup, and his Hanai family, Coi (Edward) King and Que (Michael) Quemado. 

 They will forever treasure the memories and lessons shared with him. His story is a testament to the importance of cherishing each moment and the people we love.

 A Memorial service will be held to celebrate Danny’s life, on Friday January 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, Utah. Friends may visit family from 10:30-12:30 prior to services at the mortuary. 

Flowers can be sent through the website. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salt Lake and in the comments please add “In remembrance of the life of Danny Tollestrup.” The family invites all who knew him to join in remembering a remarkable man whose impact on this world will never be forgotten.