Marine from central Minn. killed in Afghanistan

PINE CITY, Minn. (AP) — A highly decorated Marine bomb disposal technician from Pine City in central Minnesota was killed by a roadside bomb in Helmand province of Afghanistan, the Pentagon said Monday.

Master Sgt. Daniel L. Fedder, 34, died Friday while assigned to the 1st Marine Logistics Group out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Marine Corps spokesman 1st Lt. Ken Kunze said it wasn't immediately clear if Fedder was attempting to defuse the bomb that killed him. An investigation is ongoing.

The 16-year corps veteran was on his third combat deployment. He was previously deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2006.

Fedder was the father of two young children who live with their mother in California. He was divorced and had recently remarried.

His grandmother, Florence Fedder, said Daniel graduated from Pine City High School and dedicated his life to the Marines. Pine City is about 65 miles north of Minneapolis.

"He was a very nice kid, got good grades in school as far as I know, wanted to make the service his career," Florence Fedder said.

The principal at Pine City High School, George Johnson, said he remembers Fedder well, particularly his passion for wrestling.

"As soon as I heard his name I could see his picture in the yearbook, because he's a very good looking kid, military-style haircut, smile and everything," Johnson said. "Mostly I remember how intense he was as a wrestler, very hardworking kid."

Johnson said the military seemed like a good career choice for Fedder because he loved the camaraderie of the wrestling team.

The Marines and sailors of the 1st Marine Logistics Group are extending their condolences to his family.

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