Glenn Duane Gniffke was born on September 9, 1930, on the home farm east of Cottonwood, Minnesota, to Gust and Pearl (Drinkall) Gniffke. He attended country school and graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1948. Glenn was baptized on October 11, 1930, at Christ Lutheran Church, where he was a lifetime member also serving many years as an usher and trustee. On February 11, 1951, he married Eunice Halvorson at First English Lutheran Church in Marshall, Minnesota, after which they made their home in Cottonwood, Minnesota. During their early years of marriage, Glenn farmed and worked for his brother Loris in construction. In September 1955, Glenn and Eunie moved onto the family farm, living there until they moved in 1980 to their home by Cottonwood Lake. Glenn owned and operated the Cottonwood Farm Store, then later worked at Hardware Hank, where he was always willing to be of service to his customers and provide solutions to their various dilemmas. He was also a long time distributor for Walker lawn movers. Most near to Glenn's heart was his loving wife, Eunie, spending time with his family and dear friends, manicuring his lawn, being on the farm, putsing in his shop, looking forward to deer hunting, and fishing with his brother Ken. Glenn also spent numerous hours using his creative talents to simplify work on the farm by inventing the self-hitch & porta hitch (partnering with Harold Fratzke). He was also the sole inventor of tile markers and made multiple clever gadgets that were used to make a variety of tasks easier for himself, his wife and others. After being diagnosed with cancer in April of 2001, Glenn courageously fought a seven year battle, gaining his strength from the Lord, and graciously setting an example of a positive outlook, perseverance and unfailing faith. As God's power spoke through the thunder and after his wife and some family literally finished a prayer, while in their current home where he and Eunie had previously moved 28 years ago to the day, on May 1, 2008, Glenn at the age of 77 years, 7 months, 22 days was taken home to spend eternity with our Lord. Glenn is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eunie Gniffke; his four children: Terry (and Peggy), Brad (and Shirley), Brian (and Shelly) Gniffke and Candy (and Gary) Kellen; 12 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Chad (Jenny), Micah, and Noah Gniffke, Jennifer (Ryan) and Taylor Zeulner, Christopher (Nicole) Gniffke, Travis (Tessa) and Wilbur Gniffke, Justin (Jessica) Gniffke and Keriana, Amber (Matt), Drew and Kenzie Lundeen, Christine (Jeremy) and Ty Sather, T.J. and Jamie Gniffke, Kari and Kelly Kater and Jackie Kellen; brother, Kenneth Gniffke; and sister, Grace Paradis; sisters-in-law: Delores, Dagny and Dorrie; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many wonderful friends. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Gust and Pearl Gniffke, brothers (and spouse) Gordon (Clara), Loris, Bob, Harlan, Donald (Marlene) Elton (Margaret) Gniffke, brother-in-law Vic Paradis and baby granddaughter Adaire Gniffke. Blessed be his memory. Visitation Monday, May 5, 2008 * 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 7:30 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church, Cottonwood, Minnesota Funeral Service Tuesday, May 6, 2008 ~ 1:30 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church, Cottonwood, Minnesota Clergy Officiating Pastor Gloria Anderson Pastor Chris Gniffke (Grandson - Calvary Church Santa Anna, California) Pastor Ray Glenn (Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church) Organist, Gwen Arneson Special Music, Chad Gniffke (Grandson) "How Great Thou Art!" Casketbearers Terry Gniffke * Brad Gniffke Brian Gniffke * Gary Kellen T.J. Gniffke * Justin Gniffke Honorary Casketbearers Travis Gniffke * Steve Gniffke Gene DeSmet * Harold Fratzke Jason Idso * Bill Magnuson Erv Schwartz * Jasper Vandelanotte Final Resting Place Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Cottonwood, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota