Elton James Gniffke was born on July 14, 1924, in Cottonwood, Minnesota, to parents Gustave and Marion (Fier) Gniffke. Marion passed away in 1925. Gus later married Pearl Drinkall, who became his mother for her remaining years on earth. Elton grew up in Cottonwood and graduated from Cottonwood High School. Elton was united in marriage to Margaret Henrietta Evers on July 7, 1951, in Comfrey, Minnesota. To this union three children, Denise, Sherry, and Steven, were born. Elton farmed for several years in Hayward, Glenwood, Comfrey and Clarkfield. In 1977, he opened Gniffke Crop Insurance Agency in Clarkfield, Minnesota, where he worked until his retirement. Elton loved his family, particularly his grandchildren. In his younger years he loved farming and camping. Through all the years of his life, he loved taking a ride to see how the crops were doing. He also loved a good joke, a smoke, and a good cup of coffee. His keen sense of humor will be missed. Elton became a resident of the Clarkfield Care Center in December 1998. He passed quietly in his sleep at the Care Center on December 11, 2003, at the age of 79 years. He is survived by his daughters: Denise (Del) Schaefer of Dawson, Minnesota, Sherry (Michael) Boyd of Dayton, Ohio, and his son Steve (Deb) Gniffke of Cottonwood, Minnesota. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jackie and Chris Schaefer, Michael and Jenny Boyd and Erik, Ryan and Chelsey Gniffke; brothers Loris, Kenneth and Glenn; and a sister Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and brothers Gordon, Harlen, Donald and Aubner. Blessed be his memory. Funeral Service Tuesday, December 16, 2003, 11:00 a.m. (Visitation: one hour prior to the service) St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Rob Kemppainen Organist, Connie Pehrson Casket Bearers Erik Gniffke, Ryan Gniffke Chris Schaefer, Michael Boyd Jeff Gniffke, Greg Gniffke Final Resting Place St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota