Daniella Rose Gacke

DANIELLA 'DANI' ROSE GACKE was born on June 9, 2004 to Anthony and Wendy (DeLaRosa) Gacke in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She was raised in Luverne, Minnesota where she attended school through the seventh grade. Dani received her baptism and was a member of St. Catherine’s Church in Luverne. On Thursday, June 15, 2017 Dani took her own life at the age of 13 years old and six days.

Dani will continue to live on in the hearts of many. She was a wonderful daughter, though carried the nickname of “Stink” by her father. Dani was seldom seen without a smile and she carried a wonderful spirit. She had a creative personality whether it be with wishy washy tape, or markers, or colored paper. She even made a purse out of colored duct tape. Dani loved to tell stories but could rarely finish them because of her laughter.

Dani was loved by her three older brothers, Marco, Joe, and Jon. She had the ability to convince them to do just about anything for her, including baking, shopping, going out to eat cheese pizza and ice cream. Dani had so many great friends that she started the “Dafani Club.” Dani played the violin and enjoyed music of all genre. Most recently she discovered Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. She loved playing basketball, running track and spending time with her teammates. In the past year she showed no fear in the face of a roller-coaster or other extreme rides. She looked forward to her annual trips to Wisconsin and Colorado to visit family as well as her recent trip to Las Vegas.

She will be forever remembered for wearing sweatshirts and long sleeve shirts all year long, and her headbands. Nurturing was part of her personality and she often could be found caring for many of her farm animals such as cows, chickens, dogs, but she especially loved her cats. She had the most beautiful smile and dimples, if and when she allowed you to see them.

Dani is lovingly remembered by her parents, Anthony and Wendy; three brothers, Marco Gacke of Marshall, Minnesota, Joseph Gacke of Moorhead, Minnesota, and Jonathan Gacke of Duluth, Minnesota; maternal grandparents, Enrique and Marie DeLaRosa; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Cletus and Leona Gacke.

As Dani held an affinity towards animals, please direct memorials to Tracy Area Animal Rescue [PO Box 1052, Tracy, MN 56175], which benefits and locates homes for animals in southwest Minnesota.