Vernon Orville Grensing Age 98, of Rice Lake, WI, died peacefully Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the loving care and support of St. Croix Hospice and Cumberland Care and Rehab.

He was born on April 18, 1926 in Hayti, South Dakota to Walter and Lillian (Wolter) Grensing. Moved to Almena, Wisconsin in 1946 with his family. Vern worked in Rice Lake for Johnson Truck Bodies, founded by Herbert (Elsie) Johnson. At 23 years of age, he married Herbert’s daughter, Elaine Johnson on September 16, 1949. Elaine was employed in the business office for eight years. In 1952, the couple moved to Hopkins, MN for work at Red Owl Stores, Inc. For thirty-three years, Elaine was their legal secretary and Vern was a forklift operator in their warehouse until their 1985 retirement. Vern loved his family extensively, even though they never had any children of their own, his nieces and nephews were like their sons and daughters. He was also very active at Trinity Lutheran Church and also loved his church family. He enjoyed horseshoeing, woodworking, gardening, listening to polka music and their winters in Arizona. Survived by his siblings: sister, Lucille Derousseau of Rice Lake; a brother, Glenn Grensing of Barron; many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine (Johnson) Grensing; his parents, Walter and Lillian (Wolter) Grensing; his siblings, Harold Grensing, Leatha Arnevik, Gladys Coleman, Marcella Lee, Bernard Grensing and Ruby Grensing.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Friday, September 13, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Jane Snowden officiating, with interment in Orchard Beach Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to the Rice Lake Garden Club.

Last Update: Sep 07, 2024 10:43 am CDT