Gregory Alan Silver was born at the Community Memorial Hospital of Clarkfield, Minnesota, on July 27, 1957, the son of Richard and Marlene (Hanson) Silver. He was baptized on September 8, 1957, at the First English Lutheran Church by Rev. Robert Esbjornson of St. Peter, Minnesota. On May 21, 1972, he was confirmed by Rev. Gordon Trelstad at the Clarkfield Lutheran Church. Greg left the football practice field Wednesday morning, August 16, and collapsed on the floor of the locker room. The 15 year old lad, who was about to enter his sophomore year, passed away that afternoon without gaining consciousness. The six foot, 197 pound lad was taken in ambulance to the University Hospital, accompanied by doctor and nurse. He departed this life enroute. Death was due to a heat stroke. Along with his parents, he is survived by one younger brother, Paul, who enters sixth grade; his grandparents: Mr. and Mrs. Alton Hanson of Clarkfield, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Carter of Sunnyvale, California, and the late George Silver; a host of aunts and uncles and other relatives and friends. IN MEMORY OF GREGORY ALAN SILVER Born July 27, 1957 ~ Passed away August 16, 1972 Funeral Services Saturday, August 19, 1972, 10:30 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating, Rev. Gordon D. Trelstad Organist, Mrs. Ronald Donner Soloist, Greg Swanson "Amazing Grace" Brass Group, "Navy Hymn" Casket Bearers Brian West ~ Steven Froland Kris Sandvig ~ Bradley Stensrud Alan Friberg ~ Len Roschen Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Minnesota At the services, the pastor gave the following "Reflections" of Greg's life which he composed as he thought Greg had influenced his life and he felt many others. "REFLECTIONS" He was only fifteen But oh, how much more he was Student, athlete, thinker, friend Filled with the desire to live, And living he did alot To make life worthwhile, For as he walked life's road He could respond at home, in class, and on the field To family, teacher, pastor, coach. His fifteen years were years growing Big, physically, mentally and spiritually His size was seen by all as big His mind was known by all as dandy His spirit tuned to God's way. Liked by so many who knew him He was fun to have around. He gave all he had without complaint To make the game of life so rewarding for us. For he was so able and willing to do his thing. He loved the game played on the field He put himself into his music In both he was energetic, coachable, and strived to excel Yes, he gave them all he had to the end. For he knew that's the name of the game. Now his death was focused on another Game. It's known by us as the game of Life and Death. It's a game that has by far the richest prize-- An eternal trophy for those who give it all for God's Glory. So Greg's life has brought to us a truth That cannot be denied That we see each other's life as a gift Of love from God and must be expressed By giving Him and loved ones all the response we can. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ His mother, Marlene, passes on these few words that bring joy and comfort to her and she hopes to others for "Greg was a good lad." There must be something after death; Behind the toil of man, There must exist a God divine, Who's working out a plan; And this brief journey that we know, As life, must really be, The gateway to a finer world, That someday we shall see. Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota