THREE LAKES / COTTAGE GROVE - Gertrude Therese “Tess” Danowski, age 91, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Friday, Sept 15, 2023, at Cedarhurst of Madison. She was born into a large and loving family on Dec. 25, 1931, in Three Lakes, Wis, the daughter of Francis and Gertrude (Petersen) McLellan.

Tess was a graduate of Three Lakes High School. She married Harry “Doc” Danowski on Oct. 22, 1955. Together they owned and operated Doc’s Mobil Station until they sold the business in 1976. Prior to her retirement in 1996, Tess worked as a library aide for over 20 years where she shared her passion for reading with the many students to whom she was universally known and hailed as “Mrs. D.” She read everything, newspapers, books, short stories and magazines. Her reading kept her and the many people she met learning their entire lives.

Following retirement, Tess and Doc began enjoying winters in Florida where she enjoyed spending time with her siblings, nieces and nephews. Tess was a strong supporter of all family activities in which her remarkable sense of humor was invaluable. She was a lifelong member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and was very active with the church’s Thrift Store. She was also an avid Three Lakes Blue Jays fan.

Tess is survived by her son, Ron (Sandi) Danowski; daughters, Marisue (Curt) Drumm and Patti (Mick) Day; sisters, Mary Lou (Pete) Erickson and Sara Apel; and brother, Kenneth (Helen) McLellan; and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Francis ”Bud” McLellan; sister, Pat (Ted) Wykowski; brother-in-law, Ron Apel; and husband, Harry “Doc” Danowski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THERESA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1701 Superior St., Three Lakes, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Theresa’s Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Gertrude T. Danowski

December 25, 1931 - September 15, 2023

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