Alex Clark Danenberger

Alex Clark Danenberger (47) passed away on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. He was born in Bloomington, Illinois to John and Rita Danenberger on Monday, November 7, 1977, with his older brother eagerly awaiting his arrival.

Alex was a proud alum of Sugar Creek Elementary, Chiddix Junior High, and Normal Community, before taking his artistic talent to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to study fine art. Alex earned his spot at the Art Institute after showing his portfolio of work before a faculty panel who admitted the young artist immediately. His years spent in Chicago were filled with art shows, live music concerts, and exploring the city on his trusty commuter bike.

After graduating from the Art Institute, Alex continued his studies at Savannah’s School of Art and Design, where his 2-D and 3-D work was lauded by the art community. More importantly, in Savannah, Alex became an integral figure in the budding art scene that spilled from the SCAD halls and into the bars and cafes of the city.

Upon completion of his Master’s Degree, Alex returned to Chicago to pursue medical illustration jobs and advertising contracts, as well as landscaping work, which was a lifelong passion being born to a family of gardeners.

To say Alex had eclectic taste in music, art and film is an understatement. Never mainstream and often entirely unknown by the general public, Alex championed the artists and bands who embodied a raw, unadorned directness that by design, could only state universal truths and absolute authenticity. In addition to his love of music, Alex was a dedicated animal lover and avid gardener, two talents he showcased on a daily basis.

Alex leaves, to celebrate his vibrant life, his mother Rita Danenberger (Wiley), brother John (Yuki Gottschaldt) Danenberger, niece Ana Danenberger, nephew Wyatt Danenberger, and beloved cat, Tia. He is preceded in death by his father and his grandparents on both the Danenberger and Wiley side.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests mourners, family, and friends, to consider making a charitable donation to a local and reputable no-kill animal shelter, animal rights agency, or other program furthering the protection and support of the animal kingdom, which would undoubtedly be Alex’s preference over the pomp and circumstance of funerals or celebrations of life.

Whether you knew him as Biscuit, Big Al, Hank Goodness, or simply Alex, he loved his friends unconditionally, with his heart and soul on fire. Now, he crosses to the other side, blazing and at peace.