Gena J. Grinde was born May 19, 1907, on the family farm in Wheeling Township, Rice County, Minnesota, to Erick and Anna (Hilde) Grinde. She was baptized and confirmed at Valley Grove Church and attended country school south of Dennison. She remained on the farm all of her life until moving to Northfield in 1991, where she moved to the Three Links Apartments and lived with her sister Emma. Emma passed away in 1998 and Gena remained in the apartments until last month.

Gena was a strong willed and independent lady who did things her own way. She loved to quilt and even at the age of 100 she was still sewing quilt tops that were used for missions.

Survivors include 2 grandchildren: Jeff and Dawn; 7 great-grandchildren: Erick, Evan, Vanessa, Kristina, Stephanie, Michelle and Jacob; 3 nephews: Harlan and wife Elaine of Wausau, Wisconsin, Allen and wife Lenore of Faribault, Dennis and wife Sandra of Northfield; 7 great-nieces & great-nephews: Erick, Kirsten, Mark, Melanie, Michael, David, Lisa and Steven; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Donald; her sister, Emma; her brothers, John and Bernie; and one brother and one sister in childhood.

Gena passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2008, at the Three Links Care Center, at the age of 100.

Funeral services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, May 2, 2008, at Three Links Care Center Chapel with Rev. John Quam officiating. Music will be provided by Cathy Pleschourt. Interment will be in Valley Grove Cemetery, Nerstrand. Visitation will be 5-7PM Thursday, May 1, 2008, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield. Visitation will continue on Friday at the Three Links Chapel one hour prior to the funeral.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.