E. Gene Krinke

Elwin Gene Krinke 84 of Cambridge passed away suddenly at home on October 28, 2019 after battling cancer for many years.

          Gene was born on November 21, 1934 along with his twin brother Dean on the farm in Mora to Victor and Mary (Black) Krinke. He grew up on the farm and attended Whittier country school along with Dean and his four younger siblings. He graduated from Mora High School in 1952. As a teenager, he spent some time working in southern Minnesota and living with an aunt and uncle.

          On August 25, 1955 he was united in marriage to Joan Stadin of Cambridge. They started living in uptown Minneapolis and soon bought their first home in Richfield. They had their first two children there and later moved to Bloomington where two more children were born. During this time Gene worked for Swift Co. until plant closing when he went to work for John Morrell. In 1971 Gene moved his family to Cambridge and in 1973 moved to the farm where his current home is located.

          Gene enjoyed raising cattle, hogs, and chickens on the farm until his retirement from Land O Lakes in Dalbo. He enjoyed ice fishing on Mille Lacs Lake with his brother and friends and vacationing with his family every summer at their cabin on Namakan Lake. In later years, he took great pride in keeping his lush green yard beautifully mowed. Gene and Joan spent a lot of happy time together, they played Farkle every afternoon and often enjoyed a 4 wheel ride around the farm in the evening. His favorite spot was sitting at the kitchen table; he kept watch over the neighborhood and visited with anyone who stopped by.

          Gene is preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, daughter Danine Fitzgerald, brothers Dean and Arden, brother-in-law David Evenson, and sister- in-law Nona Stadin.

          Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years Joan, sons Mark (Jani), Scott (Anna), Jonathan (Joy), son-in law-Ed (Leesa) Fitzgerald, sisters Janelle Evenson, Kathy (Dave) Fulkerson, brother Arlen (Madelyn), sisters-in-law Karen Krinke and Carol Krinke, brother-in-law Rene Stadin, grandchildren Alissa (Chad) Lekson, John (Jenna) Fitzgerald, David (Ashley) Krinke, Anna Fitzgerald, step grandchildren Alexandra Bonyata, Kasey Koltz, Clinton Koltz, Chelsey Hammond, Zach Mell, and great grandchildren Mollie, Claire, and Max.

          Gene's family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Mork, Dr. Reddan, and all of the other doctors and nurses who provided kind and loving care at Cambridge Medical Center and Fairview Lakes Medical Center. We would also like to thank all of the family and friends who have provided meals and treats during Gene's illness, and the Isanti County Sheriff's Department who were professional and compassionate.

          Memorial Service 11:00 AM Tuesday November 5, 2019 at Cambridge Lutheran Church.

Interment Cambridge Union Cemetery.  

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