Anton Grinager was born in Tingelstad, Hadeland, Norway, on January 25, 1873, the son of Gudbrand and Annie (Melbostad) Grinager. He was baptized, confirmed and received his early education in Norway. In 1892, at the age of 19, he immigrated to America, locating in Clarkfield, Minnesota, where he made his home the rest of his life. Only three residences were in Clarkfield upon his arrival. Anton began work in the general store of H.P. Andrisen and worked for a period of three years. This was followed by a four-year term in the general store of J.S. Johnson. In January of 1900, he decided to buy an interest in a store and formed a partnership with Thrond Melbostad of Boyd, Minnesota, purchasing the general merchandise store of M.O. Kirkeby. The partnership remained until 1911 when Mr. Grinager bought out his partnership's interest and began conducting the business as the A. Grinager Store. Many of his present customers are in the fourth and fifth generations. Anton was united in marriage to Annie Molstad of Lisbon Township, Yellow Medicine County, on April 29, 1897, by the Rev. Farseth. To this union four children were born: Gifford, Morris, Martha and Alethe. The family made its home in the upstairs apartment over the store for 19 years. Mr. Grinager joined the Norwegian Lutheran Church in 1892 and continued his membership until his death. He served as an usher for 25 years and was always interested in his church. He was a staunch supporter of all projects that he believed would help better the community. His interest in civic affairs was evidenced by his being a village council member for several years and serving as village treasurer for 43 years, resigning in 1954. He helped organize the fire department, remaining a member 43 years. He was a charter member of the Clarkfield Booster Club which today is called the Civic & Commerce Association. He was an avid sports fan, consistently in attendance at local sports events. The store was always of great importance to him and he worked there until about two weeks before his passing. He quietly slept away on July 20, 1967, at the age of 94 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie, and three of his children: Gifford, Morris and Martha. He is survived by his daughter, Alethe, son-in-law, Ardine Berkvam, grandson, Ardine, Jr. and his wife, Susan, and four great grandchildren: Amy, Andrew, Krisit and Jill of Northfield, Minnesota, who pay him the following tribute: Upright and faithful in all his ways A wonderful character to the end of his days A loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, true and kind, What a wonderful memory he leaves behind! IN MEMORY OF ANTON GRINAGER January 25, 1873 ~ July 20, 1967 Funeral Services Saturday, July 22, 1967, 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Rev. Albert Hendrickson Organist, Mrs. Ronald Donner Congregational Hymn "Just as I Am" Soloist, Lester Mikelson "Den Store Hvide Flok" "The Lord's Prayer" Casket Bearers Elmer Melbostad ~ Reuben Vik Oscar Melbostad ~ Lewis Rysdahl Ingval Lynner ~ Waldemar Hauge Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota