Grace Myrtle (Ross) Riecke was born on June 27, 1921, in Hanson County, South Dakota, to parents Charles and Grace (Bloom) Ross. She was baptized on September 7, 1921, at the Methodist Church, Alexandria, South Dakota. Although Grace lost her mother on the day she was born, she was raised by caring family members which helped to form her into the loving, strong, and independent woman that we all grew to know and love. She graduated from Ethan High School, Ethan, South Dakota. Grace was united in marriage to Clarence J. Riecke on November 30, 1941, in Rapid City, South Dakota. Clarence and Grace lived in Hill City, South Dakota, and she helped Clarence operate Rick's Standard Station-Motel in Hill City. Later they moved to Rapid City, where they ran a motel. In 1962, the family moved to Granite Falls, Minnesota, where they owned and operated the Scenic Valley Motel. In 1970 the family moved to Clarkfield where she worked at Forsberg's Market, Grinager's Store, and the Clarkfield Care Center. Grace was a faithful member of the Clarkfield Lutheran Church. She was active in Ladies Aid and Bible Study. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was a dedicated volunteer in her community. Grace enjoyed life to the fullest, from raising her family to spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid Twins fan. Grace passed away on Monday, July 3, 2006, at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital, Montevideo, Minnesota, at the age of 85 years and 6 days. She is survived by her children: Paulette (Bob) Grieger of Wood Lake, Minnesota, Martha (Rodney) Jans of Montevideo, Minnesota, Ross (Kayann) Riecke of Clarkfield, Julie (Dean) Olson of Cottonwood, Minnesota, and Pam (Brian) Ehnert of New York Mills, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Opal; brothers: Claude, Leo, and infant brother Sylvester; aunt Julia Bloom; and husband, Clarence. Visitation Wednesday, July 5, 2006 * 6:00 - 8:00 p.m Prayer Service 7:00 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Thursday, July 6, 2006 * 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating Pastor Mike Hanson Pastor Carter MacFarlane Organist, Rick Grieger (Grandson of Grace) (Processional) "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (Recessional) "Abide With Me, Fast Falls the Eventide" Soloist, Ross Riecke (accompanied by Kayann) "He Giveth More Grace" "How Deep the Father's Love for Us " "The Lord's Prayer" Honorary Casketbearers (Grandchildren) Brenda Darling * Laura Streich Debra Jans * Anna Jans Erin Riecke * Anita Olson Brianna Ehnert * Theresa Ehnert * Tyler Ehnert Casketbearers (Grandsons) Chuck Grieger * Nate Riecke * Denton Olson (Sons-in Law) Brian Ehnert * Robert Grieger Dean Olson * Rodney Jans Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota