Gordon W. Danke

Gordon W. Danke
September 17, 2021
Gordon William Danke, 90, died peacefully at home on Friday, September 17, 2021. He was the loving husband of Patricia (Pat) Kay Danke (nee Dolph) for 65 years, who predeceased him in February of this year. He was always smiling and telling jokes but was also very serious about his relationship with God, faithfully reading the bible every night, attending church regularly and praying for the people God put on his heart. Gordon was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, on January 18, 1931, the son of Edwin and Esther Danke (nee Klemp) and grew up in Readfield, Wisconsin. After his military service in Korea, he met his future wife while visiting his best friend from Korea, Duane Dolph, who was Pat's brother. He attended Michigan State University and graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation in Cadillac as a highway designer, retiring in 1984. In retirement, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and at his church, as well as local projects. He enjoyed travelling, visiting his children and grandchildren across the country, and attending the Thresheree in Symco, WI with his brothers. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, splitting wood and making woven rugs. He is survived by children Kitty (Edward) Rothwell of Williamston; Hans (Connie) Danke of Arcadia; Douglas Danke of Winter Park, FL; Daniel (Marilyn) Danke of Eaton Rapids, Amy (Erin) Shram of Freeville, NY; daughter-in-law Margaret Danke of Placerville, CA; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four brothers and 2 sisters. He was predeceased by his wife, his parents, his son Gordon Danke, two brothers and two sisters. The funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, MI on Friday, September 24, at 11:00 AM. There will be at viewing at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, or to the Michigan State University College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering. Arrangements provided by Jowett Family Funeral Home.