Danny Joe “DJ” Krell, 70, of Springfield, died at 5:25 pm, Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Heritage Health. He was born January 24, 1948 in Springfield to Walter Alvin and Mary Alice (Smith) Krell. He is survived by one daughter, Tammy Lynn (Russell) Friedewald of Springfield; two grandchildren, Emma and Jack Friedewald; four brothers, Gary Krell of Texas, Forrest (Cheryl) Krell and Tim Krell, both of Springfield and Ted Krell of Texas and several nieces, nephews and cousins and great nieces and nephews.

Danny graduated from Williamsville High School. He was a member of 1st United Methodist Church. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He completed basic training at Ft. Leonardwood, MO. He served as a Drill Sgt. in Ft. Polk, LA and served in Vietnam in 1968-1969 with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade. He was awarded Combat Infantry Badge (CIB), Purple Heart (Oak Leaf Cluster), Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Civil Action Honor Medal/First Class, Vietnam Service Medal (2 Bronze Stars). Danny served as Past Commander of the Department of Illinois Military Order of the Purple Heart, U.S.A. and founder of our Springfield Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter #159, Hayes-Krell Memorial. He was instrumental in founding the Vietnam Memorial at Oak Ridge Cemetery. National executive committeemen (1994-1996). National Aide-de-Camp (1993-2003). Life member of DAV, VFW, American Legion.

Visitation: 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 10:00 am, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Nicole Cox officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.