Linus E. Groenke

Obituary

Linus Elmer Groenke was born on October 1, 1939, in Camden Township, rural New Germany, Minnesota. He was the son of Oscar and Helena (Baumann) Groenke. Linus was baptized as an infant on October 22, 1939, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 29, 1950, both at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in New Germany. His confirmation verse was Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” He attended school at St. Mark’s Lutheran School and graduated from Norwood Young America High School with the class of 1957.

On October 29, 1958, Linus entered active military service and service in country in the United States Marines. Linus received the Good Conduct Medal and the M-1 Rifle Marksmanship Medal. He was Honorably Discharged on October 27, 1961, having achieved the rank of PFC. He was always proud to be a Marine, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

Linus loved to drive truck. He drove for Buffalo Bituminous in Buffalo, Minnesota. Linus once stated, “he paved most of the roads in Minnesota.” Linus along with his wife, Joan, owned and operated Star Carpet Care Cleaning Service for 20 years. His guarantee was “We don’t guarantee to get every spot, but we guarantee you’ll have a clean spot.” After retirement, Linus and Joan took up woodworking. It was a hobby that soon became a passion. Linus built 80 cedar chests over time and was known as “The Cedar Chest Man.”

Linus married Leona Harper in 1971 and lived in Lester Prairie until 1976. On December 22, 1978, Linus married Joan Elizabeth McCalla at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota. The couple resided in Glencoe.

Linus was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Glencoe. He participated in many activities, served many meals, and washed many dishes. Linus was active in Alcoholics Anonymous. He was a gifted speaker and a great friend. He helped many people achieve and maintain sobriety. Linus’ favorite sayings were “forgiveness is the key,” “What would a grown-up do?” and “You can’t get well with hatred in your heart.”

Linus will be remembered by friends and family as an unselfish, honest, hardworking, and compassionate person with a wonderful sense of humor. He lived his life for others and found the most pleasure in helping them.

Linus entered his eternal rest on August 20, 2024, at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia at the age of 84 years. Blessed be his memory.

Linus is survived by his:
Wife, Joan Groenke of Norwood Young America, MN;
Step Daughters, Constance (Randy) Goerke of Maple Grove, MN, Carrie (Russ) Sweeney Goethel, of  Milwaukee, WI;
Step Son, Alan Lahr and Meri Beth Anderson of Nicollet, MN;
Step Grandchildren, Derek (Danielle) Goerke, Heidi (Ryan) Brinkman, Brittany Anderson, Heather (Jordan) Robb, Jesse Lahr, Jacqueline (Kyle Perrino) Lahr, Shane (David Goodman) Sweeney, Laura (Andrias) Thapa;
Step Great-Grandchildren, Liberty Allen, Jake Robb, Rohan Goerke, Gavin Allen, Robby Perrino,  Jeanna Robb, Evalyn Goerke, Sawyer Brinkman, Mason Perrino, Paulina Thapa, Carpri Brinkman, Mira Thapa;
Sister, Arlys Pawelk of Norwood Young America, MN;
Sisters-in-law, Patricia Diotavio of Naples, FL, Ada Amundson of Hutchinson, MN;
Brothers-in-law, Kaye (Elvira) McCalla of Howard Lake, MN, David (Donna) McCalla of Texas;
Other relatives and friends.

Linus was preceded in death by his Parents, Oscar and Helena Groenke; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Louis and Martha McCalla; Sister, Leona Peterson; Brothers-in-law, Ray Pawelk, Lowell Peterson; Son-in-law, Paul Sweeney; Step Great-Grandaughter, Alexa Robb.