May 28 1941 July 3 2019 (age 78)
Gerald “Gerry” Danko, 78, of Powell, WY passed away with his family by his side on July 3, 2019. Gerry was born on May 28, 1941 in Selkirk, Manitoba, Canada to Joseph and Mildred (Luchkow) Danko. He was the youngest of three brothers. Gerry graduated from Winnipeg Technical Vocational High School where he was an exceptional athlete. Gerry excelled at football, wrestling and track and field; being named athlete of the year in 1958 in addition to being a golden gloves boxer. Gerry received a scholarship to play football and wrestle at the University of North Dakota where he also played club hockey. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Education and Coaching. On August 29, 1964, Gerry married Carolyn Ann Feldner in Bismarck, North Dakota. Together they started their teaching careers. Gerry taught and coached football and tennis in Derby, Kansas and Pine Bluffs, Wyoming, and was a guidance counselor at East High School in Cheyenne before starting graduate studies at the University of Wyoming. He received his Master’s of Science in Psychology and Guidance from UW in 1968, and accepted a position at the then Northwest Community College in Powell, Wyoming as an instructor of psychology and counseling. He continued to teach until 1977 when returned to his roots and became a full-time farmer, growing beans, barley and hay. Gerry ‘retired’ from farming in 2012. He continued haying and maintained a large garden. Gerry was an active member of the community, serving as President of the Heart Mountain Irrigation District for many years. He was a member of the Elks and Backcountry Horseman. He was also an involved member of Hope Lutheran Church. He was also on the Park County Planning and Zoning Board. Gerry had a passion for horsemanship, and enjoyed raising, riding and packing horses as well as team roping. He loved both alpine and water skiing, and he and Carolyn loved to scuba dive. He devoted much time and effort to his 20 acres of hay, winning multiple local, state and national awards. Gerry was also an avid elk and antelope hunter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mildred Danko and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn Danko, his two sons, Michael of Sheridan, WY and Carl (Emilie) of Killeen, TX; his three grandchildren, Abel, Anya and Alice; brothers Joseph (Marion) of San Jose, CA and Dennis (Frances) of San Jose, CA; brother in law, William (Karna) Feldner of Prior Lake, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on July 7, 2019 from 6-7:30pm at Thompson Funeral Home in Powell, WY. Memorial Services will be on July 8, 2019 at 1:30pm at Hope Lutheran Church in Powell, WY. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell, WY. Memorials can be made in Gerry’s honor to Northwest College Foundation (Wrestling Scholarship). The family has requested that Condolences be sent to them online at www.thompsonfuneral.net. Or to P.O. Box 807, Powell WY 82435 favorite_border Donations Pledges
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald Allan Danko May 28 1941 July 3 2019 (age 78).
Death notice for the town of: Powell, state: Wyoming