Alan A. Danke, age 81, of Lind Center, answered his Savior’s call to come home on Friday, January 27, 2017 in Appleton.
He was born on December 17, 1935, in New London, the son of the late Edwin and Esther (Klemp )Danke and spent a happy childhood with many brothers, sisters and cousins in Readfield. He graduated from New London High School and Stevens Point University with a degree in Natural Resources. He soon discovered, however, that his passion was teaching. He taught in Waupaca, Weyauwega and Lake Geneva. Alan served his country in the US Army, and was proud to have served as a member of their National Honor Guard for two years. On June 15, 1963, Alan married Linda Jones at Parfreyville Methodist Church. They spent four years teaching before settling on the farm in Lind Center. Alan began raising veal calves and did so for 39 years. After retiring, he worked for Nature’s Trek at Hartman’s Creek State Park, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. Alan’s passions were his children, teaching, trees and growing roses; and his 16 grandchildren were his special joy. Alan was a charter member of the Union Thresherman’s Club in Symco and was the announcer for many antique tractor pulls. He won many trophies for his antique tractors, and was very proud of the fact that he built a tractor from parts that he gathered from his farm, and was able to drive it in the Symco Thresheree Parade. Alan also loved making backpack trips to Canada with his brothers, and his good friend, Lowell (Ruth) Baltz. He was a member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in the Town of Lind, where he served as trustee for many years.
Alan is survived by his wife, Linda; four children, Medora (Daniel) Magdanz, Pine River, and their children, Brooklyn, Payton, Jessica and Bethany; Rachel Rebman, Town of Lind, and her children, Crystal (fiance’ Matt) and Emily; Ted (Jera) Danke, Weyauwega, and their children, Anthony, Andrew, Rabecka, Erian, Caragan, Bryanna and Clairyssa; Molly (Ryan) Suehs, and their children, Parker, Coralie and Jordy; brothers and sisters, Janet (Al) Mattiesen, Gordon (Pat), Eleanor Uthe, Richard (Sara), Doris Nobles, Lloyd (Judy), Clifford (Linda) and Loren (Sally); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob (Connie) Jones, Tom (Karen) Jones, Chuck (Debbie) Jones, Rick (Vicki) Jones and Dave Jones; his honorary daughters, Marci and Mary; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jacob Magdanz; sister, Marion (Jack) Viney; brother, Eddie (Rosie) Danke; brother-in-law, Norm Uthe, and his in-laws, Cora and Art Jones.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Emmaus Lutheran Church, N180 County Rd. A, Waupaca. Pastor Kurt Schilling will officiate. Burial with full military rites will be in Lind Center Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont and on Thursday, at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.