Gregory Lee Krusemark

Gregory Krusemark, age 74, of Henning, formerly of Alexandria, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was surrounded by his loving family after a month-long, hard-fought battle with newly diagnosed cancer.

Greg was born on August 26, 1950 to Clarence and Agnes (Getz) Krusemark in Alexandria, Minnesota and was baptized and confirmed at Land Lutheran Church, while growing up on the family farm alongside his four brothers: Lyle, Ron, Jerry, and Bob. He attended Hoffman Public School, graduating in 1968. For graduation, his parents gifted him a green Camaro—a car he cherished and fondly remembered throughout his life. 

He went on to attend Fergus Falls Community College and later graduated from Concordia University with a degree in Business Management.

Greg dedicated 33 years of his career to 3M in Alexandria. Among his many roles, his favorite was managing the employee store, where he built lasting relationships across the company and took pride in learning about 3M products. In retirement, Greg found joy working at Hilltop Lumber, which he lovingly called his “dream job.” There, he helped customers with their projects, made new friends, and became a familiar and friendly face in the local community.

Greg met the love of his life, Joan, while they were both attending Fergus Falls Community College. They were married on September 25, 1971, at United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls and have been inseparable ever since.

Together, they built a life centered around family, filled with love, and marked by Greg’s one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He was a devoted father to Matt (Courtney), Heather (Josh), Heidi (Jon), and Molly (Jay), and a proud grandfather to Jackson, Anderson, Sidney, Evan, Izzy, Mia, Will, and Shelby. Greg had a special relationship with everyone who was a part of his family, he had a unique way of making everyone feel seen, loved and important. He was the kind of dad and grandfather every child dreams of having—steadfast, loving, and always there. He would do absolutely anything for his wife, children, and grandkids, no matter what.

Following retirement, Greg and Joan enjoyed traveling across the U.S., visiting family and friends, and creating new memories with their grandchildren. Greg spent countless hours woodworking with relatives and friends during the colder months and loved hunting in western North Dakota and Minnesota—adventures that generated countless legendary stories.

In 2015, Greg and Joan sold their beloved family home in Alexandria—one Greg had built—and began a new chapter by purchasing a fixer-upper on Middle Leaf Lake in Henning. He fully remodeled the home and delighted in having land, a shed for his tractors and tools, and room to tinker. Greg was often seen in his shed, feeding the birds (and grumbling about squirrels—despite building them their own picnic table), mowing the lawn, tending Joan’s flowers, or plowing snow.

Greg loved his neighbors, family, and friends deeply, and would lend a hand to just about anyone. He taught his family the importance of caring for those around them and accepting all people. He loved hearing people’s stories, trying to figure out if you had a mutual connection, and you likely found yourself instantly enjoying his company. He was fun, open-hearted and minded, endlessly curious, and full of love for both people and animals.

A man of strong faith, Greg remained active in the church and community throughout his life. Some of his favorite ways to serve included acting as a deacon, singing in family weddings, volunteering as a part of the 3M club and helping at the Trinity Center in Henning.

Above all, Greg was a family man. His wife, children, and grandchildren were the center of his universe. Over the years, he remodeled three family cabins on West Leaf Lake—a true labor of love and lasting legacy. Known affectionately as the “resort manager,” Greg could often be seen (or heard with his booming voice) repairing something, mowing lawns (his and the neighbors’), riding his John Deere tractor, or tinkering with a project. The lake was home to countless cherished memories: morning and afternoon coffee while watching for loons and “Big John,” pulling kids and grandkids behind the boat, fishing (and complaining about cleaning the fish), hammock naps, stunning sunsets, and lively bonfires. Each moment at the lake was accompanied with laughter, stories, and connection—all made possible by the life Greg and Joan built together.

Greg is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Joan; his children, Matthew (Courtney) Krusemark of Lee’s Summit, MO, Heather (Joshua) Jorde of Mahtomedi, MN, Heidi (Jonathan) Stark of Inver Grove Heights, MN, and Molly (Jay) Backlund of Alexandria, MN; and his eight treasured grandchildren: Jackson, Anderson, Sidney, Evan, Isabelle, Mia, William, and Shelby. He is also survived by his brothers Lyle (Deb), Jerry (Deb), and Robert (Bev); and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Agnes Krusemark; his in-laws, Earl and Berniece Aschnewitz; his brothers, Ronald and Thomas; and sisters-in-law Mary (Jerry) and Janice (Lyle).

A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Henning on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a funeral luncheon to follow. Public visitation will take place on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, with a time of remembrance at 6:30 PM. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS MEMORIALS TO TRINITY CENTER OF HENNING ARE PREFERRED.