Daniel Richard Gludt was born into this world on July 30, 1958, and entered rest Sunday, July, 26, 2026. Daniel was born to Richard and Doris Gludt of Lewiston. He was amongst five children, being the second oldest. While he was primarily raised in Lewiston, the family later moved to Troy.

Daniel grew up working after school with the rest of his siblings at the family business, Dido Upholstery. There, Daniel learned about the satisfaction of hard work and the importance of doing a good job. It was no wonder that later in life Daniel would not stop any project until it was completed to the best of his ability. Even if he had to use YouTube a few times to understand.

After he turned 18, he found his true calling, a calling that not everyone can experience, feel, or comprehend but for him it came naturally. The Fire Service. He started driving for the Troy Fire Department Volunteer Ambulance which led him to get his EMT for the small-town service. The care and compassion he had for each patient and the delicateness he handled for each patient, and each situation became apparent that this is what he was going to do in life. He did a small term as the fire chief for the Troy Fire Department, stepping up when they needed him the most. While it was a short-term role, he helped the department until another fire chief could be found.

Daniel married Anita Smith in June 1981. Together, they had two children together Dana and Dustin. The couple later moved back to Lewiston so that Daniel could pursue his career with the Lewiston Fire Department. While this marriage ended in divorce, they remained friends up until his passing.

Daniel started his career at the Lewiston Fire Department as a reserve and quickly worked his way up to a full-time status in 1989. Then, in 1994 he took the first paramedic class that was offered here in Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and became one of the first Advanced Life Support EMT’s in the valley. This was one of his proudest accomplishments. One that he wore with a badge of honor. Over the course of the next twenty-five years Dan would humbly give loving care, compassion, empathy and commitment to the people of the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.

Daniel later met Michelle Tagliatela, a romance blossomed between the two of them and they were married July 24, 2004. Daniel welcomed three additional children to the family. Michelina, Jessica and Sam. Daniel were very proud of all his children and made sure that they knew that every day. Daniel and Michelle made a house a home to all those who needed it or called. After his retirement, the two enjoyed traveling, family events and being able to just spend time with each other. Dad was very proud of his animals ranging from parrots, dogs, cats, up until most recently, his ducks. His sense of humor, his words of wisdom, his compassion and empathy towards everyone and anyone he met will be missed.

Dan was preceded in death by his father Richard, his sister Debbie, and son Dustin. He is survived by his wife Michelle at the family home; mother Doris; children: Dana (Misty), Michelina (David) Jessica (Ryan) and Samantha (Jay); siblings: Dave (Dawn), Doug (Lisa), Denise (Tom). He is also survived by his grandkids Talos and Sabin along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Daniel was a man of faith and there is no doubt that he walks with Jesus on the streets of Heaven. In honor of Daniel, we ask that today you have a moment of reflection or go and do a good deed in your community to honor this man who gave and loved so much.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, at River City Church, 2102 Eighth St., Lewiston.