Winifred Danks

Winifred A. Danks, a longtime Grand Forks resident, died Saturday, October 15, 2016 Valley Eldercare.Winifred was born Sept 1, 1913 in Lengby, Minnesota to Louis and Hilma Anderson, the youngest of six children. In an article published in the Thirteen Towns newspaper in Feb. of 1994, she wrote "What a great little town to grow up in. With a wonderful lake, we all learned to swim at an early age, and in the winter we ice skated after clearing the snow off the ice ourselves." She went on to write about the fond memories she had growing up in the hotel her father owned, and finished her article by saying it was a place she still liked to call home. Winifred had many loves which she pursued actively for most of her life. Probably her most enjoyable times were spent in the blueberry woods. She loved to pick blueberries and spent much time scouting around for new places to pick. She made wonderful blueberry pies and gave blueberries away to anyone who would enjoy them. She picked blueberries until she was well into her 80s. In addition to the pies, she was a wonderful cook and her family and friends will all miss the great meals she prepared. Another huge love of hers was the love of traveling. She was fortunate enough to travel through many states, countries and continents. Probably her favorite trip was to Scandinavia. Her parents were both born in Scandinavia and knowing she had a desire to visit there, her children arranged a trip there for her 75'h birthday. The only condition she was given was that she would have to arrange to find her relatives. She set about this with great gusto and managed to meet 22 second cousins while there. She also spent two nights in the home where her great great grandmother was born. This trip was certainly a highlight of her life. Winifred was active in Augustana Lutheran Church where she was always involved in lefse making and anything that involved preparing food. She was leader of her circle for many years plus many other activities. This continued until she was physically no longer able to participate. She had so many interests. She was always an avid reader and especially enjoyed poetry much of which she had committed to memory. She loved anything about the great outdoors and spent much time bird watching. She also loved games and played with her children, then her grandchildren and her many friends. Winifred is survived by her sons, Keith Danks, Harvey Danks and Lee Danks. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. She will be missed and fondly remembered by her family who could not have loved her more. Winifred was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Gracia, Frey, Isabelle and Lenny and by her daughter, Marlys Jenson.   Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, October 22, 2016 at Poplar Lake Cemetery near Lengby, MN. Winifred’s father donated the land for the church and cemetery.