"Linda and David Grande and family, Our sincere sympathy in the loss of mother. Bruce and Karen"
In loving memory of
Jean Carol Gronseth
February 24, 1924 - January 28, 2012
ROCHESTER -Jean C. Gronseth,87, peacefully entered Heaven on Saturday, Janaury 28, 2012 at Samaritan Bethany Home on Eighth with her family at her side.
Jean Carol Johnson was born on February 24, 1924, the third of seven children to Selmer and Cora (Martin) Johnson in Sargeant, MN.She was baptized on May 18, 1924 and confirmed in the Christian faith on May 21, 1939 at Evanger Lutheran Church in rural Sargeant.She attended school in rural Sargeant.
She married Charles Martin Gronseth on October 5, 1944 and they had three children from their union, Dennis, Linda, and Carol.Chuck passed away on May 13, 1972.Jean was a homemaker caring for her children and dedicating herself to her daughter, Carol.She was instrumental in giving Carol the special education available to her.Jean worked in the cafeteria at Libby's for many years and then in food service at St. Marys Hospital after which she joined Security and retired in 1990 with 17 years of service.
Jean was a meticulous seamstress, sewing clothes for herself and her young children and grandchildren.Her talents with a needle and thread also included crocheting, embroidery, cross-stitch, and craft projects.Her most recent passion was quilting.She lovingly stitched more than one quilt for each of her family members.She also made numerous baby quilts for the Faith Chest for the newly baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron, where she was a charter member.
Jean loved to dance, whether it be a graceful waltz or peppy polka.She also found great pleasure in bowling, playing cards, following the Minnesota Twins, mall walking, coffee with friends, letter writing, and phone conversation.She enjoyed extended family gatherings and reunions.Above all, Jean relished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great grandson Nick.
Those left to cherish Jean's memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and David Grande of Byron; special daughter, Carol Gronseth of Rochester; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Chad and Michelle Grande of Oronoco; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Anissa and Nathan Shores of Burnsville, MN; great grandson, Nicholas Grande of Oronoco.She is also survived by two sisters, Shirley (Orlyn) Gulbransen of Hayfield, MN and Gayle (Earl) Buchan of Minneapolis, MN; two sisters-in-law, Frances Martin, of Hayfield and Adeline Moen, of Austin, MN; three brothers-in-law, Stanley (Ellen) Gronseth of Hayfield, Wallace Gronseth of Hayfield and James (Janice) Gronseth of Dexter, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Charles; a son, Dennis; her parents, Selmer and Cora; a brother, Orville Johnson; and three sisters, Marcella Schulz, Audrey Holien and Clarice Elverum.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Christ Lutheran Church, 201 Frontage Road NW in Byron with Rev. Steve Rheingans officiating.Family and friends may visit from 4-7 P.M. on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service at the church.Burial will take place at Byron Cemetery.
Tributes
"My sympathy to the family of Jean. I had the pleasure of working with Jean during her time in Security at St. Marys, and we had many enjoyable talks and laughs together...and traded some great recipies. She will be missed. In Sympathy, Mark A.Hrubetz"
"Linda and Dave and Carol; Aunt Jean was a special person to Scott and I. She was a great sister to Mom (Clarice) when she got sick. She visited her and always kept us in touch with how she was doing with me living 1300 miles away. If Mom had a bad day sh Aunt Jean kept us in touch. This shows what a special person Aunt Jean was. I am sorry we can''''t be ther but our prayers and love are with you. Clark and Bonnie; Cassie and Claire"