Clifford Grindland

Rev. Clifford M. Grindland, 87 Cliff was born April 25, 1922, to Chris and Mina Grindland near Bainville, Montana, where he was baptized and confirmed at First English Church. He graduated from high school in Bainville in 1940 and then completed one year at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, before returning home to work in his father?s business. He returned to Concordia and received his B.A. in 1948. Cliff met Enid Jerde of Britton, South Dakota, in the Concordia Choir. They were united in marriage in 1949 and were blessed with three daughters and one son. In 2009 they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Cliff received his Master of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul in 1951. Over the years he continued post graduate studies at Biblical Seminary in New York City; Luther Seminary, St. Paul; and San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, California. During 39 years of ministry Cliff served parishes in Maskell, Obert and Wynot, Nebraska (1951-54); St. John?s Lutheran in Webster, South Dakota (1954-60); and First Lutheran in Morris, Minnesota (1960-1984) and as interim Pastor at Marietta and Nassau Lutheran Churches (1985-91). Highlights of his ministry included training 14 intern pastors and many lay bible study leaders. He loved youth ministry. First Lutheran?s purple bus made many trips for youth outings and scout trips. The new Morris campus opened an exciting ministry to college youth, an effort he supported long into his retirement. He was proud to work with many visitation pastors and helped build an area retirement facility. Cliff served as president of both the Morris Kiwanis and Sons of Norway. He enjoyed fishing, water sports, and visiting with family and friends during 50 summers at the cottage on Lake Carlos, where he and Enid retired in 1992. He loved music, especially hymns, and traveling with special trips to Norway and the Holy Land. He often had a movie camera or cup of coffee in his hands. Cliff is survived by his wife, Enid, and four children ? Ann Grindland of St. Paul; Lori Woodruff of Cypress, California; Kay Grindland of Grand Marais; and Eric (Marlene) Grindland of Sartell; and three grandchildren ? Chris Woodruff, Trevor Grindland and Kia Grindland. Also surviving are a sister, Gloria (Robert) Guibord of St. Paul, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his father, Jens Christian Grindland; mother, Mina Smestad Grindland; and brother, Rev. Robert J. Grindland and sister-in-law, Lois Grindland. A funeral service was held Tuesday, September 15 at Calvary Lutheran in Alexandria, the Rev. Mark Astrup and Dr. Rollen Halvorson, presiding; Kay Carlson, organist; Kenneth Hodgson, soloist. Memorials preferred to the Cliff Grindland Leadership In-Service Fund at the Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Minnesota Morris. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.