Daniel Oftedal

Daniel Blake Oftedal
August 1, 1978 – August 18, 2026

Daniel Blake Oftedal passed away unexpectedly on August 18, 2026, at the age of 48.

Daniel was a lifelong Fresnan whose life was defined by family, hard work, and a remarkable passion for his craft. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1996 and later attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, where he earned an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts and interned at the renowned Lulu restaurant. This experience marked the beginning of a decades-long career as a chef and a lasting legacy within Fresno’s culinary community.

Known to many simply as Chef Dan, Daniel brought his talents to several of Fresno’s most recognized restaurants, including Pismo’s, Westwoods, Mad Duck, Yosemite Ranch, culminating most recently at Saizon. He possessed an instinctive understanding of food, one that was inventive and nuanced, yet grounded in an appreciation for nostalgia and the familiar. He understood that the best food could surprise you while still reminding you of something you had always loved.

Daniel was deeply respected by his peers and by the many people who had the opportunity to work alongside him. Hard-working, detail-oriented, and deeply committed to his craft, he quietly influenced a generation of cooks and culinary professionals. In the days following his passing, many who worked with Daniel shared how instrumental he was in shaping their culinary growth and achievements. That influence, the knowledge he shared, the standards he set, and the people he helped along the way is an enduring part of Chef Dan’s legacy.

Away from the kitchen, Daniel was gentle by nature and a true homebody. The role he cherished above all others was being a father to his son, JJ. Some of his happiest moments were also among the simplest: being at home with JJ, watching football or baseball (he loved his LA Dodgers), gaming, and spending time together. He was an amazing and devoted father, and the bond they shared was at the center of his life.

Daniel is survived by his beloved 16-year-old son, JJ Oftedal; his parents, Randy and Judy Oftedal; his brother, Martin Oftedal; Martin’s husband, Trent Barry; and their son, Hudson Barry Oftedal. He will also be deeply missed by his many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and work colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Greening-Oftedal.

Daniel will be remembered for the food he created, the kitchens and people he helped shape, his quiet and gentle nature, and most especially, for the father he was. His influence lives on in his family, in his son, and in the many people throughout Fresno’s culinary community who are better at what they do because Chef Dan was once beside them in the kitchen.

A Celebration of Life and reception honoring Daniel will be held Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11:00AM at the Big Red Church, 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd., Fresno, California, 93704

In honor of Daniel, we invite you to share your memories of him and upload photos to his memorial page. Let us celebrate his life, remember his joy, and keep his spirit alive through our shared stories, laughter, and love.