Florence Ann Daninger

A tribute to Florence on the Autumnwood Farm Facebook page:

“Jesus said to her, l am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’ Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26 It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Florence Daninger, who many of our long-time customers lovingly know as “Grandma D”. We are incredibly grateful for her 94 years.

Florence was the matriarch of our farm. She was a woman of unshakable faith, devotion and appreciation of family, and a very strong work ethic.

Florence and Mike raised 6 children here on the farm. She had 14 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. She spent her years most often serving others through raising children, nourishing family and friends, fiercely advocating for causes she held dear to her heart, and working on the farm.

Raising their children dairy farming, they knew they could not take many family trips, although they did have a special and fondly remembered adventure to Glacier National Park, so Mike and Florence brought the world to their kids. Between 1974-1988 they hosted 15 international visitors in their home at the farm. Florence was very thankful for the education those opportunities provided to their family.

When we began bottling milk in 2008, Florence also started working two days a week in our farm store. We loved getting to share “Grandma D” with you all. One of the things she wouldn’t do was let others load the milk on the store shelves because she said if she stopped doing it, she wouldn’t be able to anymore, and that was not an option in her mind. It took the convincing of her children for her to finally retire at age 86. Customers continue to ask us how she has been, as recently as last week.

Even until her last day, she had an incredibly sharp mind, proudly sharing history of the Daninger Family and farm, as well as Forest Lake history, with anyone and everyone. Her stories and knowledge allowed all of us to better understand and appreciate each generation before us. We know we would not be here on this farm if it weren’t for the sacrifices and work of Florence and Mike.

Florence greatly valued time with family, friends, and neighbors. Especially in recent years, visitors never doubted her gratitude and time spent with family always concluded with her saying, “It doesn’t get better than this.”

A few months ago, we shared about the old red 1946 pickup of Mike’s. Florence shared her desire for that pickup to be a part of her final ride to the cemetery when the time came. We are honored to bring her wishes to fruition.

Thank you for allowing us to share and honor this incredible woman, our mom, grandma, and great grandma.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:13