Eunice Josephine Gniffke

Eunice J. Gniffke (May 16, 1931 - February 11, 2017) Eunice Josephine (Halvorson) Gniffke was taken to her Heavenly home on February 11, 2017. “Eunie” was born to Johnnie & Amelia (Possail) Halvorson on May 16, 1931 on the family farm in Nordland Township, Lyon County MN. She was baptized into the Christian Church on October 17, 1931. Eunie was the youngest of five children, moving with her family to Minneota after the death of her father in 1932. She attended school there through 4th grade and then moved to Marshall in 1940. In 1947, while working at the first root beer stand in Marshall, she met the man of her dreams, Glenn Gniffke. Her time was spent roller skating with Glenn and working at Kay’s Shoe Store until she graduated from Marshall High School in 1950, which was also the same evening of her engagement. On February 11, 1951 she married the love of her life, Glenn, at First English Lutheran Church in Marshall, MN. They made their home in Cottonwood until moving to the Gniffke family farm in September of 1955. She enjoyed being a homemaker while raising their three sons and one daughter. In 1980 they moved to their home by Cottonwood Lake. She always made sure there was plenty of food on the table, sweets in the cupboard, a tidy and loving home to welcome all who entered. Playing dress up with her vintage clothes and hats was a treat for all. An ongoing activity for Eunie was taking photographs, recording many miles of smiles and years of special memories. Most near to her heart was the Lord, as well as her special family and faithful friends. Being an active member of Christ Lutheran Church was a priority. She especially took pleasure in teaching Sunday School there for ten years. Through the later years of her life she enjoyed the preaching and the worship at Swan Lake Evangelical Free Church. Everyday, through most of her years, Eunie was a humble and avid prayer warrior for our family and many others. Eunie was a caregiver. Glenn was blessed to have her by his side during his seven year battle with cancer. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren welcomed her giving and caring ways; waiting on each was her treat. Whether they were young or old, she enjoyed making time to play almost any type of game together, including years of playing bridge with her friends. While eating nuts and candy, she would comment that she needed to stay sweet and nutty. Eunie’s fun and lighthearted spirit along with her child-like faith remained with her even through her final years of dementia. Her beautiful, beaming smile and flamboyant glasses symbolized her personality, which brought smiles to many faces and hearts. Eunie happened to leave us the same date that would have been her and Glenn’s anniversary, at the age of 85 years, 8 months, and 94 days, she went to share an anniversary dance with Glenn and spend eternity with our Lord. She will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Terry (Peggy) of Irvine, CA, Brad (Shirley) of Datil, NM, Brian (Shelly) Gniffke of Cottonwood, MN and Candy (Gary) Kellen of Lake Shetek, MN; 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren: Chad (Jenny), Micah, Noah & Quinnlyn Gniffke; Jennifer (Ryan), Taylor & Makayla Zeulner; Chris (Nicole) Wilks, & Remy Gniffke; Travis (Monika), Wilbur, Christian & Cloe Gniffke; Justin & Lily Gniffke & Keri Anna Sterling; Amber (Matt), Drew, Kenzie & Zack Lundeen; Christine (Jeremy), Ty, Trey & Tia Sather; T.J. (Heather), Ashtyn, Brayden, Peyton, Gracelyn, Faithlyn, & Gideon Gniffke; Jamie (Gavin) & Maddie Maurer; Kari Kater & fiance’ Jeremy Griffith; Kelly (aka Lil’ Uni), Alexis, Kailey, Wyatt, Ariannah & Sutton Heinis, and Jackie Kellen; sister, Elaine Johnson; sisters-in-law Dagny Gniffke & Gracie Paradis; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & many wonderful friends. Eunice was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Glenn Gniffke, parents, Johnnie & Amelia Halvorson, sister, Elvira Kiel, brothers, Earl & Ervin Halvorson, baby granddaughter, Adaire Gniffke, and many brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law from both Eunie’s and Glenn’s side. Blessed be her memory. Memorials given will be presented to Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall or Swan Lake Church Benevolent Fund of Cottonwood.