Evelyn Grunke

Obituary

Evelyn Anna Grunke was born on December 6, 1927, at home in Wellington Township, Renville County, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Paul and Hulda (Schroeder) Kern. Evelyn was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith, both at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Wellington Township, Renville County, Minnesota. She received her education in Fairfax and was a graduate of the Fairfax High School Class of 1946.

On June 16, 1949, Evelyn was united in marriage to LeRoy Grunke at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Bandon Township, Renville County. Evelyn was a loving wife and mother. Evelyn and LeRoy were blessed with six children. When they retired from farming, they moved into Fairfax. Evelyn and LeRoy shared 71 years of marriage when LeRoy passed away on November 25, 2020.

Evelyn was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax and the Ladies Guild. Evelyn and LeRoy were the custodians for many years.

Evelyn enjoyed dancing, playing cards, embroidery, gardening, canning and raising chickens. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

When she needed assistance with her care, Evelyn became a resident of the Fairfax Community Home and then moved to Garnette Gardens in Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and passed away there on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the age of 95 years. Blessed be her memory.

Evelyn is survived by her:
Children,          Linda Hilgert and her husband, Larry of Bird Island, MN,
                        Brenda Severson and her husband, Jan of St. Paul, MN,
                        Cindy Mumme and her husband, Dave of Redwood Falls, MN,
                        Deb Rooney and her husband, Roger of Cottage Grove, MN, and
                        Jeff Grunke of St. Cloud, MN;
Randy’s special friend, Cathy Malvin of Danube, MNGrandchildren, Jim of Bird Island, MN, Dan and his fiancé, Kelsey of Glencoe, MN, Justin and his wife, Ashley of Maplewood, MN,  Allison of St. Paul, MN, Matthew and his wife, Briana of Franklin, MN, Jason and his fiancé, Bobbie of Minneapolis, MN, Erin of Cedar Rapids, IA, Michala and her husband, Tony of Belle Plaine, MN, Mandi of Morton, MN, Keith and his wife, Monde of Morgan, MN, Mallory and her husband,  Jordan of Redwood Falls, MN;
Great grandchildren, Kaylee, Anna, Megan, Elliana, Arlo, Cassidy, Robert, Franklin, Kora, Emily, Kyson, Jessie, Kyler, Gabe, Hazel, Milli, Easton, Landen, Jesse, Jayce, Jensen, Hadley;
Sister, Luella Kern of Richfield, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her Parents, Paul and Hulda Kern; Husband, LeRoy Grunke; Son, Randall Grunke and his wife, Judy; Sisters, Viola (Milton) and Ordella (Kenneth) Freyholtz; Grandson-in-law, Al Ahrens.