Betty Gruenes

Betty Gruenes, 54 of Kensington, Minnesota died Saturday, May 28, 2022, at her home after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Betty Ann was born February 25, 1968, in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Gilbert and Esther (Jungels) Brinker. On October 23, 1987, she married Greg Gruenes at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring, MN. Betty and Greg moved to Hutchinson, MN and both held a job at Hutch Technology. In the spring of 1988, they relocated to the Stock Farm in Kensington, MN, where Greg manages, and they have lived since. Betty enjoyed helping with field work, especially driving tractor. Greg and Betty welcomed their son, Mike into this world in 1989 and daughter, Amanda in 1991. Betty served on the township board as the treasurer from 2010 to 2021. Some of her favorite hobbies included collecting key chains, crafting, scrapbooking, and camping with family and friends. Betty loved girls’ night out with special friends, especially shopping at Crafts Direct with them. But Betty’s true passion, was showing her love to her grandkids and spending time with them.

Betty is survived by her husband, Greg of Kensington; children, Mike (Lisa) Gruenes of Alexandria, Amanda (Jim) Bostrom of Kensington; grandchildren Blake and Riley Bostrom, Dawson and Tucker Gruenes; Siblings Linda (Don) Jacquemart of Foley, Lola (Dave) Vogel of Cold Spring, Terry (Kim) Brinker of Cold Spring, Jesse (Patty) Brinker of St. Cloud, Jim Allbrink of Elk River, Bill (Gloria) Brinker of Holdingford, Mary (Joe) Dvorak of Browerville, Mark (Lisa) Brinker of Cold Spring, and Amy (John Veeder) Bertram of Sauk Centre along with 32 nieces and nephews; 23 great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Esther, and brother Tim Brinker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3:00 PM Thursday, June 2, 2022, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Alexandria, MN

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday at the Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Hoffman and resuming one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Alexandria.

Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Hoffman is assisting the family with arrangements for Betty Gruenes.