Clint Grove

Clint Grove, 84, of Elbow Lake, died Sunday, June 14, 2015, at his home, surrounded by his family under hospice care. Clint was born on February 7, 1931 in Fortuna, ND to Gilbert Ingwaldson Grove and Lydia Miranda (Elmgren) Grove. He was the youngest of eight children. He was baptized in Fortuna, ND and confirmed at Lincoln Lutheran Church in Hoffman, MN. He attended school in Fortuna, ND, Portsmouth, OR and Crosby, ND. Clint's family moved to Oregon at the beginning of World War II where they worked in the shipyards. Two Years later, he and his brother Ted returned to North Dakota. In 1947 Clint moved to Minnesota and lived with his brother Lester and family and worked for neighboring farmers. He later moved to Barrett and worked at the George Stavig Implement Dealership. Clint enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War. While stationed in France he worked as a sheet metal repairman on airplanes. He received 3 medals while in the Service: National Defense Service, Occupation-Germany, and Good Conduct. He was given an Honorable Discharge on September 15, 1954. Upon returning to the states, Clint lived in Barrett for a short time before moving to Morris, where he worked for Eklund's Body Shop. Clint married Evelyn Jane Teal on December 3, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Osakis. To this union four children were born. The family's first home was built by Clint and friends just outside of Barrett. While living in Barrett, he worked for the Creamery and later at the Chevy Garage in Elbow Lake. In 1960 he moved his family to Elbow Lake and started his own business, Clint's Body Shop. In 1971 Clint and Mert Shuck partnered to create CosMos Enterprises, Inc. He also started a second business, Cosmos International, Inc. Upon retirement he sold Cosmos Enterprises, Inc to his sons. Clint's many hobbies were golfing, camping, restoring old cars and going to car shows. After retirement Clint and Ev spent winters in Florida for 7 years until the tragic death of their 3 grandchildren Matthew, Jacob, and Justin. His life changed forever. Over the years Clint was involved in many clubs and projects. He was a member of United Lutheran Church. He was on the Elbow Lake Fire Department and an ambulance driver for 20 years. He was a member of the Elbow Lake Jaycees, Elk Lodge #1093, Lions, Uninvited Car Club of Fergus Falls, and Union Cemetery Board. He helped start the Elbow Lake Community Fund and was on the Golf Course Board. He was the Founder of Tri-State Manufacturers' Association. He was actively involved in the American Legion Post 321 where he served 3 terms as Commander. Clint was instrumental in designing and installing Veterans Memorials in 9 cemeteries around Elbow Lake. He was known for the design and building of the Veteran's Memorial Hall. He was the President of the Grant County Veteran's Memorial Support Organization and designed the Memorial that is being built in front of the Prairie Ridge Hospital.

Clint loved his family and family time was important to him. He always looked forward to when the kids and grandkids would come home to visit. He especially enjoyed playing "Hand and Foot." Clint is survived by his wife Ev, to whom he was married 59 1/2 years. He is also survived by his four children and their families: Connie (Nathan) Backstrom and children Ryan and Charles from Hampton, MN; Linda (Rick) Petty and children Tony (Anna Brueseswitz) Maus , Tim (Ashley) Maus, and baby on the way, Caleb (Samantha Schlosser) Petty, Rick Petty Jr., and Shelly Petty from Alexandria, MN; Bill (Mary) Grove and children Billie Jo (Justin) Smith and children Amber, Paton, and Shelby, Shannon (Michele) and daughter McKenzi, Chris (Christina) Alfredson from Brandon, MN; Bob (Joy) Grove and children Lindsay (Blake) Barnett, and baby on the way, Alexandra (Jake) Thorstad, Morgan Grove from Alexandria, MN. He is also survived by his brother Elwood (Gladys) Grove, sister-in-laws Helen Grove and Barb Teal, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers and their wives Anard, Orien (Thelma), Lester (Verna), Ted (Eilee); sisters Dorothy (Jack), Alvina (Chuck); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Archie & Vivion Teal; brother-in-law Frank Teal; sister-in-law Bea Nelson; and his three beloved grandsons, Matthew, Jacob, and Justin Backstrom. Visitation: 5 - 7 PM Friday, with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service, at Erickson-Smith Funeral Home in Elbow Lake. Visitation resumes one hour prior to service at the church. Funeral Service: 11 AM Saturday, June 20, 2015, at United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake Clergy: Pastor Jean Ohman Military Honors: American Legion Post 321 Interment: Union Cemetery, Elbow Lake Condolences: EricksonSmithFH.com The Family prefers memorials to the Grant County Veteran's Memorial Support Organization (GCVMSO), PO Box 418, Elbow Lake, MN 56531-0418.

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Clint's Memorial Folder

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Funeral Home: Erickson-Smith Funeral Home - Elbow Lake 116 1st Street NE Elbow Lake, MN US 56531

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Previous Events

Visitation
Friday, June 19, 2015
Service
Saturday, June 20, 2015
cemetery
Saturday, June 20, 2015