Gordon C. Grupe

Gordon C. Grupe, age 85, of Delavan, died Saturday, October 5, 2013 at United Hospital in Blue Earth. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 10:30 AM at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth, with burial to follow at Rice Lake Cemetery, rural Delavan. Visiting hours will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago and one hour prior to services at the church. Web condolences may be left at www.spencerowen.com Gordon C. Grupe was born on January 7, 1928, in Sterling Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota, to Walter C. and Hedwig (Hattie) Nerge Grupe. Gordon passed away October 5, 2013, at United Hospital District, Blue Earth, Minnesota, at the age of 85. Gordon attended Winnebago High School and joined the military in 1946. He was honorably discharged in 1947. He married Colleen McDermott on August 15, 1948, in Delavan, Minnesota. They lived in Winnebago before moving to the farm in 1958. Three children were raised by Gordon and Colleen: Randy, Paul, and Kayla. Gordon lived on the farm until ten days before his death. Gordon enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, playing cards and traveling. He also enjoyed and rarely missed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s concerts, games, recitals, and other events. He was a member of the Delavan Methodist Church from his marriage until its closing in 2013, and is now a member of the Winnebago Methodist Church. Gordon was a strong community supporter and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Gordon is survived by his son Randy (Renee) Grupe of Trimont, MN; son Paul (Brenda) Grupe of Houston, MN; and daughter Kayla (Dayton) Westra of Fulda, MN; eleven grandchildren: Jayden (Kelly), Cailey, and Conner Grupe; Brianna, Kendra, Marissa, Shawna, Brandon, and Kenneth Grupe; and Madeline and Claire Westra; his sister, Verna (Ervin) Kaduce, of Mapleton, MN; sisters-in-law, Delores Walker and Colette Jenkins of Delavan, MN; sister-in-law Vivian McDermott of Owatonna, MN; many nieces and nephews; and friend, Lenora Butler, of Winnebago, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Colleen; his parents; his sisters, Jeanette Stauffer and Ruth Trouth; and his brothers-in-law, Harry Trouth, Roy Stauffer, Keith McDermott, Roland Walker, Arnold Jenkins, and Chuck Nilson.