Geraldine Bethel Grenke

Obituary

Geraldine Bethel (Kirchoff) Grenke was born on February 14, 1927, at her home in Stewart, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Elmer Henry and Bertha Louise (Miller) Kirchoff.  Geraldine was the oldest of two children in the family.  She was baptized as an infant on March 13, 1927, by Rev. C.H. Kowalske at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota, and later was confirmed in her faith as a youth on March 29, 1942, by Rev. G. Bents at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fernando, Minnesota.  Geraldine received her education in Stewart, Minnesota, graduating with the Stewart High School Class of 1944. 

On October 30, 1946, Geraldine was united in marriage to Maynard Grenke by Rev. Alfred Streufert at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota.  Geraldine and Maynard made their home in Glencoe, Minnesota.  Their marriage was blessed with one daughter, Carol.  Geraldine and Maynard shared almost 72 years of marriage until Maynard passed away on October 9, 2018.

In addition to being a loving wife, mother and homemaker, Geraldine was a farm wife and helped on the family farm and especially enjoyed driving the tractor.  She was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe and loved the bible studies with Pastor Mathison.   

Geraldine’s faith was very important to her.  She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, embroidering, cooking, scrapbooking, reading, gardening, journaling and the color purple.  Geraldine loved spending time with her friends and family.  Her grandchildren were the delight of her life. 

Geraldine passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at GlenFields Living with Care in Glencoe, Minnesota, at the age of 93 years, 11 months and 17 days.

Blessed be her memory.  She will be greatly missed.

Geraldine is survived by her;
Daughter, Carol McMullin and her husband, Jack, of Excelsior, MN;
Grandchildren, Christopher J. McMullin of Minnetonka, MN,
Whitney A. McMullin of San Francisco, CA;
Sister-In-Law, LuAnn Kirchoff of Mayer, MN;
Nieces & Nephews, Veryl (Carol) Becker, Sharel (Dale) Hoops, Lyle Grenke, LaDonna (Dale) Stuber, Marilyn (Clinton) Rettig, Larry (Edna) Lindemann, Joann (Randy) Brockoff, Norma Schauer, Fred Lobitz;
Great nieces and nephews, Other relatives and friends.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her Parents, Elmer and Bertha Kirchoff; Husband, Maynard Grenke; Brother, Maynard Kirchoff; Sister-In-Law, Norma Kirchoff.