Gerald Otto Gruenhagen “Budda” was born May 13, 1955, in Cokato, Minnesota to Otto and Dorothy (Anderson) Gruenhagen. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, Minnesota. In his younger years, Gerald grew up on the family homestead where he enjoyed farming with his family, riding motorcycles and driving all kinds of muscle cars and trucks.
Gerald later went on to join the Operating Engineers Local 49 Union where he operated various pieces of equipment and met lifelong friends. He spent over 25 years in the union and retired from the Local 49ers at the age of 62. Gerald married Connie Rancour at St. James Lutheran Church on May 13, 1987. They would go on to have two children, Christina, and Matthew Gruenhagen. Gerald and Connie enjoyed 36 wonderful years of marriage together.
In his free time, Gerald loved spending it with family and friends. His favorite place to be was at home with his family. In April 2023, Gerald accepted one of his greatest titles in life, Grandpa, through the birth of his first granddaughter Georgie Lynn. He also enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life including collecting vintage Harley Davidson motorcycles & WW2 memorabilia, watching Westerns, going to gun shows with his son, and helping others whenever he could. He was a proud member of the American Rifle Association.
Gerald passed away on December 9th, 2023, at the age of 68 at the family farm in Howard Lake. Gerald was a kind, loving, and generous person who would have given his last dollar to anyone who would have asked and never said no to any request made to him; beloved by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Connie, children Christina, Matthew (Cassandra) Gruenhagen, granddaughter Georgie, sisters Barb (Don) Lambert, Kathy Steffes, Susie (Joe) Synder, Janet (Tim) Lepage, Sister-in-law Janet (Mike) Ewert, brother-in-laws Mike (Kathy) Rancour, Tony (Aimee) Rancour, Pat Rancour, Vince Rancour, and family and friends.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Otto & Dorothy Gruenhagen, brother Dwight Carlen, brother-in-laws Jerry Hugo & Les Steffes, cousins Russell Gruenhagen & Garlen Gruenhagen, and in-laws Louis & Arline Rancour.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, December 16, 2023 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake, MN with visitation one hour prior to service.