Louella L. Downing, age 95, of Manitowoc, passed away Monday morning, April 5, 2021 at St. Mary’s Home of Felician Village, Manitowoc.
Louella was born on February 4, 1926 in Clark County, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Edward and Fern (Hatfield) Lund. She left home at an early age to work as a nanny and caregiver in Delavan. On January 5, 1946 she married Harold Downing in Stanley, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1995. Louella was skilled in the culinary arts and had a long career in food service beginning at a hotel in Stanley, WI, followed by many years as a cook for the Elks Club in Manitowoc and concluding at Lakeside Foods. She loved music and was always singing a song. Louella also enjoyed crocheting, sewing, tending to her flowers, gardening, canning and taking care of her home and family. She was especially fond of socializing with her friends, family and neighbors.
Survivors include: her children: Edward H. Downing, Manitowoc; Doug (Renée) Downing, Wisconsin Rapids; Nancy (Mark) Gagnon, Manitowoc; Jacqueline (Francis) Williquette, Manitowoc; Joe Downing (Jennifer Hildebrandt), Manitowoc; daughter-in-law: Betty Downing, Manitowoc; 20 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; siblings: Joann Naas, David Lund, Suzie Blanchette; brother-in-laws: Wayne (Becky) Downing, Herbert Downing (Jean). Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. She was preceded in death by: her parents: Edward and Fern Lund; husband: Harold Downing; daughter: Mary (Fred) Licht; son: Danny Downing; daughter-in-law: Nancy Downing (Tollefson); grandson: Mark Gagnon; siblings: Grace Lund, Alex Lund, Gladys Olson White, Lorraine (Stanley) Pomietlo; step-sisters: Beverly and Artis; in-laws: Carl (Lorraine) Downing.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 12:00 pm at Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc. Louella will be laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Town of Kossuth, following service.
The family will greet relatives and friends, Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Felician Village, as well as Tracy and Ariana for the love, care and compassion shown to Louella.
