Gail Denise (Danielson) Houwman

life story

A loving wife, mother and quilter extraordinaire!

Gail was born on December 10th, 1949, in Detroit Lakes, MN, to the late Ernest and Vernice Danielson. She grew up in Grand Rapids, MN, and was the third of six siblings.

Gail is survived by her husband Franklin (Tony) Houwman and her two daughters: Lea (Steve) Stoup and Sara Raines. Grandchildren: Nicholas Raines, Nathan D'Angelo, and Jacob D'Angelo.

She is also survived by her siblings: Becky MacMillan, Jim Danielson, Perry Danielson, Judy Rossetter, and Carol Bille.

Gail is preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law Jeff Raines.

About Gail

Gail married her high school sweetheart, Franklin (Tony) Houwman on January 25th, 1969. They travelled while Tony served in the U.S. Marines before they welcomed their two daughters, Lea and Sara. She focused her time raising their daughters and being involved in church.

Once the girls were grown, Gail spent more time on quilting, one of her greatest passions. She was creative and incredibly skilled in making extraordinary quilts. She loved teaching and working at the quilt store in Central School. She made and gifted more quilts than we can count and we will feel her love as we wrap ourselves in those gifts for the rest of our lives.

Gail spent much of her time teaching. She was a Sunday school teacher and she not only taught her daughters many things but she also taught nieces and nephews how to water ski, ride bikes and the list goes on. She was a tough cookie. She taught us never to give up and that we could do anything we put our minds to.

She was an advocate for many people throughout her life, particularly those who needed someone to stand up for them. She was also passionate about her work as a Certified Peer Specialist with Kiesler Wellness Center as described below.

Gail was a special lady and she will be missed immensely.

memorial service

Memorial Service

November 20, 2021

Zion Lutheran Church - 2901 S Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

There will be a luncheon immediately following at the church.

If you would like to send flowers and prefer to use a local florist, please contact Shaw Florists at (218) 326-7429.

If you would like to make a donation to a charity in memory of Gail, please consider Kiesler Wellness Center or Zion Lutheran Church mentioned in charities above.