Obituary
Deanna Cornforth
Deanna Cornforth, age 81, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2022, in the loving care of the staff at Gundersen Health System due to kidney failure but those who knew her best know she died of a broken heart after losing two of the loves of her life, her son Doug and then, husband Dale, within the past year.
Our mother was a beautiful person. She had too many skills and talents to mention, most of which were self-taught. She and our dad provided us with a great life.
She was a hard worker which she probably acquired from her childhood being raised on a farm. She attended country school and was a straight A student. Our parents built or flipped several homes throughout La Crescent while they both worked full-time jobs. When her children reached school age, she went back to school to obtain her Associate Degree and then went on to work at Gundersen Health System for 44 years. She also was a great cook, kept an immaculate house, loved a roaring game of euchre and was highly skilled with a sewing machine and making some of the most beautiful and intricate cross-stitch pictures, some of which won her awards at area craft shows.
Mom was a dedicated mother and grandmother first and foremost. She especially treasured her grandchildren attending all of their school, dance, and sporting events. She always made the people around her laugh and loved planning practical jokes on family, friends, or coworkers whenever she could.
She is survived by her children, David and Darcey, her favorite son and daughter-in-law, Lyle Lemke and Holly Cornforth, “Grandma Dee” to Sarah (Johnny) Powell, and Sam Cornforth, sister Donna Oldenburg, mother-in-law Delores Cornforth, sisters-in-law Sophie, Charlene and Janelle, brothers-in-law Duane, Wayne and Gary along with many longtime friends.
She is predeceased by her husband Dale, son Doug, parents Odin and Dorothy Gaustad, father-in-law Bill Cornforth, sister-in-law Diane Cornforth, and brother-in-law Ray Cornforth.
No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service or celebration of her life is scheduled.
Friends and family wishing to honor Deanna are invited to make a donation in her name to the Gundersen Medical Foundation or the charity of your choice.
She loved her family and we loved her. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Dee was a colleague of mine at Gundersen for many years. She knew her job, which was often very difficult, but she always was compassionate and caring, no matter the outcome. She was a supportive friend, and I will always remember her with love.
I worked with your Mother when I first came to Gundersen 43 years ago. Your Mom was a gem and had the best sense of humor! She will remain in my memory as the wonderful person she was. I will always remember her great laugh … I can still hear it ❤️. My deepest sympathy and hugs to all of you on your loss. We all lost alovely person ?
I worked with your Mother when I first came to Gundersen 43 years ago. Your Mom was a gem and had the best sense of humor! She will remain in my memory as the wonderful person she was. I will always remember her great laugh … I can still hear it ❤️. My deepest sympathy and hugs to all of you on your loss. We all lost a lovely person ?
David, Darcey and family: I am so sorry for all of your losses, including this treasured one. Hugs to all of you. I have fond memories of Dee from work and how she was always there with an answer or willing to research an answer; blessed to have gotten to know just that small part of her. Take care and much love to all.
Sincere condolences to the family.
David,Darcy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dee over the years at Gundersen. She was always my ‘go to’ person to get the right explanation. I loved her laugh and enjoyed many with her. My sincere sympathies to you and your family. She will be missed.
Darcey and David, so very sorry for your loss. Deesley was great to work with, laugh with, and Happy Hour with. I’m so glad you shared her with us, she will be missed.
I did not know your mom but did meet her at Doug’s funeral. I knew Doug & Holly & your dad. Dale was our delivery man at Quillin’s. She was such a sweet lady I could tell by meeting her for just a short time. God bless your family and may God surround you with peace.