Ralph Grenz

Ralph Ervin Grenz was born to Edward and Martha (Krause) Grenz on May 29, 1923 on the family farm in Verdi Township, Lincoln County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Verdi Township. He attended country school in District #63. Upon completion of his education, he helped on the family farm. In 1953 he and his father moved into Lake Benton, Minnesota and rented out the family farm. Ralph worked on construction in Huron, South Dakota for four months. After returning to Lake Benton he worked for Monahan International. On September 8, 1955 Ralph married Uda Neumann at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with three children and 58 years of life together. Following their marriage, they lived on Ralph's family farm in Verdi Township. Ralph farmed until his retirement in 2004. Even after retirement, he and his wife continued to live on the farm. On Wednesday, March 26, Ralph was admitted to Avera Flandreau Hospital where on Friday, March 28, 2014 he died at the age of 90.

Ralph was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake Benton. When he was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church he served as a church trustee and on the cemetery board. Farming was his life, and he loved working on the farm. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, family, and friends.

Ralph is lovingly remembered by his wife, Uda of Verdi, Minnesota; his children, Allan Grenz and his wife Lori of Elkton, South Dakota, William Grenz of Verdi, Minnesota, and Audra Hardesty and her husband John of Rapid City, South Dakota; two grandchildren, Deven and ShayAnna Grenz; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Raymond, William, and Baby Boy Grenz; and two sisters, Gertrude Cassidy and Irene Kruger.

Blessed be his memory.