Earl Lee Groenewold

Earl Lee Groenewold, 89, of Mankato, died November 28, 2024 at the Pillars of Mankato.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 am Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Northview- North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Dr., in North Mankato . Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will take place later that day in Sibley, Iowa. 

Earl was born March 23, 1935 to Alida (Helmers) and John Groenewold in Sibley, Iowa. After his first year, Alida died. Soon John met Gusta Behrens and married her; she raised Earl as her own. Earl was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sibley and in 1973 he was a charter member of Messiah Lutheran church in North Mankato. Earl completed the tenth grade at Sibley Public Schools when full time work on the farm demanded all of his time. On May 8, 1955 he married Shirley Sisk in Sibley, Iowa.

Earl had a milk route, worked for Sibley Glass Co. and for 33 years was a delivery salesman and manager for Old Home Bread. In retirement he continued his passion for driving, by driving school bus for field trips for 15 more years.

In his free time, he enjoyed yard work, feeding birds, gardening, tinkering and fixing things, traveling, camping and devoted to his wife, Shirley.

Earl is survived by his children Kelly (Marci) of Northfield, Kevin (Karyn) of Balaton, Kayleen ( Lynn) of Mankato; grandchildren, Nate (Kristel), McKenna (DJ), Elise (Dave), Katy, Brandon and Brianna; great grandchildren Oliver and Nora; step grandchildren Jessica (Anthony) and Peter (Chelsea); step great grandchildren Charlie, Emma, Hazel and Aiden; brothers Richard (Diann) and Robert (Lisa). 

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and twin sons, Ryland and Rayburn.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.