Greg Reisenauer

Gregory Reisenauer, a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, nephew, and friend.

On November 26, 2023, Gregory Lawrence Reisenauer, sixty-three years old, went to be with the Lord. He is now healed and free of pain, basking in His Glorious light.

Greg was born July 9, 1960, to Lawrence and Mary Ann (Dukart) Reisenauer in Grants, New Mexico. He was the firstborn son and ringleader to a younger sister and three younger brothers. He went to school in Bowman, North Dakota and graduated from Bowman High School with the class of 1979. He enjoyed playing football, wrestling, and throwing discus in track. His dream for ranching started as a child when he rode horse any chance he got.

Greg married his beautiful wife, Anita Kempenich on June 27, 1982. They shared 41 years of Marriage. Together they were blessed with 2 daughters, one son, and a nephew that became a son. Greg and his bride loved dancing, playing cards, and spending time with family.

Greg had a wide variety of skills and knowledge. He experienced many occupational successes throughout his life. He started his work life in the North Dakota oil fields, then worked as a mechanic at Stuber and Jenson Equipment. He enjoyed milking cows at his father’s farm in Dorset, MN. He also worked for Schwan’s Incorporated for several years. Greg took a hog herdsman position at Hanson Farms located in Elbow Lake, MN. This is where he and his family have lived for the past 25 years. Greg then hauled livestock and worked at area sales barns. His heart was in ranching, and he spent most of his adult life living out that dream while working in his various occupations.

Greg considered himself a Redneck and often introduced himself as such. He loved cattle and horses and had many years of breaking and training horses. His word of advice to his children was “to know a little about everything and not be a know it all.” Take advice, and the day you stop learning is when you are six feet under.

Greg built a life he was proud of, one that reflected his values of hard work, faith in the Lord, integrity, and an incredible love for his family. Regardless of life’s circumstances, he modeled a life of faith. Eighteen years ago, Greg and his family felt he was given a second chance in life after an ATV accident left him totally blind. He did not let that slow him down much. He still enjoyed many years of ranching, raising cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, goats, dogs, and cats. Greg spent many hours outdoors, praying to the Lord and enjoying the warm sun and the sounds of nature. He loved the outdoors and everything it had to offer.

Greg shared his talents in many ways as he was involved within the community and church. He served on the Farm Bureau board, church council, church building committee, religious educator, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Greg was a devoted husband, proud loving father, and grandfather. He had a heart for helping those in need, and his generosity was unmatched. Greg was known for his big presence that would fill a room, along with his smile and words of wisdom. He loved connecting with others and being a strong shoulder to lean on and cherished his family, neighbors, and friends.

His goofy sense of humor, witty remarks, and his particular grin will be missed by his wife Anita of Elbow Lake; children Jenni (David) Olson of Ashby, MN, Jasper (Toni) Reisenauer of Ashby, Kati (Garret) Hecker of South Heart, ND, and Aric (Laura) Winarske of Evansville, MN; grandchildren Eva & Treyton Olson, Zoe & Wyatt Reisenauer, Emmitt & baby Hecker, and Ayla Winarske; mother, Mary Ann Huffman of Spearfish, SD; sister Violet Stensland of Black Hawk, SD, brother Bernard (Lori) Reisenauer of Bowman, ND, Dwayne (Angie) Reisenauer of Staples, MN, half-sister Isabel (Ted) Rutherford of Frazee, MN, sister-in-law Alphia Reisenauer of Alamogordo, NM, stepsisters Sarah (Blane) Wasylewski of Elimra, MI, Suzette Free of Park Rapids, MN, Tami (Tim) Starkey of Rapid City, SD, Lanette French of Billings, MT, stepbrother Tracy Barker of Detroit Lakes, MN; mother-in-law June Kempenich of Bowman, ND, sisters-in-law Teresa (Rod) Kosmicki of Bismarck, ND, Audrey (Loyal) Saffel of Black Hawk, SD, Peggy Thomas of Rhame, ND, Cynthia Ashbaker (Darlen) of Hettinger, ND, brother-in-law Lee Kempenich (Wanda) of Rhame, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father Lawrence Reisenauer and stepmother Drucilla Reisenauer, brother Matthew Reisenauer, nephews Cody Reisenauer, Jeremy Reisenauer and Jade Reisenauer, father-in-law Clarence Kempenich, stepfather Tom Huffman, brother-in-law Gregory Stensland, and step brother-in-law Nick French.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 2, 2023, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, Elbow Lake with Father Jose Chettoor presiding.

Visitation will be at St. Olaf Church from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Friday with a Rosary at 5:30 followed by a Prayer Service and a time of sharing. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Burial at a later date at St. Loretto Catholic Cemetery, rural Elbow Lake.

Arrangements by Erickson-Smith Funeral Home of Elbow Lake.