Gordon C. Grupe, 85

Delavan Gordon C. Grupe, age 85, of Delavan, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at United Hospital in Blue Earth. Funeral Services were held Oct. 9, 2013, at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth. Burial followed at Rice Lake Cemetery, rural Delavan. Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago was in charge of arrangements.

Gordon C. Grupe was born on Jan. 7, 1928, in Sterling Township, Blue Earth County, to Walter C. and Hedwig “Hattie” (Nerge) Grupe. Gordon passed away Oct. 5, 2013, at United Hospital District, Blue Earth, 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 Aug. 15, 1948, in Delavan. 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 sons, Randy (Renee) Grupe, of?Trimont, and Paul (Brenda) Grupe, of Houston; daughter, Kayla (Dayton) Westra, of Fulda; 11 grandchildren: Jayden (Kelly), Cailey, and Connor Grupe, Brianna, Kendra, Marissa, Shawna, Brandon, and Kenneth Grupe, and Madeline and Claire Westra; sister, Verna (Ervin) Kaduce, of Mapleton; sisters-in-law, Delores Walker and Colette Jenkins, of Delavan; sister-in-law, Vivian McDermott, of Owatonna; many nieces and nephews; and friend, Lenora Butler, of Winnebago.

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.

Web condolences may be left at www.spencerowen.com