Ethel Margaret (Grunzke) Townsend, age 99 of Minnesota Lake, MN, was greeted by family and friends into eternity on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. A Memorial Social will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023 from 1:00-3:00PM with a prayer service starting at 2:30PM with Pastor Joy Bruder officiating at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN. Burial will be in Peace UCC Cemetery in Minnesota Lake, MN. Memorials may be made to Kremer House, Minnesota Lake Ambulance Fund, or donor’s choice. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences. Nasinec Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Ethel Margaret Townsend was born May 27, 1923 to Edna and William Grunzke in Dunbar Township. Ethel married Dean Townsend on December 21, 1945 and to this union two children were born, Lynn and Larry. They made Minnesota Lake their home. Ethel was an active member of Peace U.C.C. Church of Minnesota Lake. She sang with the choir for many years and was active in various church groups. Ethel loved her flower gardens, quilting, sewing doll clothes, making Barbie doll furniture, knitting mittens for the school kids, and making beautifully delicate wedding cakes. She was a very crafty lady, a generous and supportive community member and spent time working at the Kremer House in Minnesota Lake. Ethel was a collector of dolls, loved fishing, and always had a puzzle going on the card table. She enjoyed many years travelling to Heath’s Resort on White Fish Lake with daughter Lynn, brother Norman and his wife Harriet along with nieces, nephews, and family. Ethel wintered many years in Peoria, AZ. In 2018 Ethel moved from her home in Minnesota Lake to New Perspective in Mankato.
Ethel is survived by her daughter Lynn Townsend, sister-in-law Harriet Grunzke, along with many Grunzke and Townsend nieces and nephews, and her close friends.
Preceding her in death was her husband Dean, son Larry, her parents, mother and father-in-law, and her brother Norman.
My sympathy in your loss. Thoughts and prayers.
A lovely lady. Rest in peace Ethel
Celebrating a life well lived ….. Aunt Tootie who I came to call Ethel later in life ….was a main presence in shaping my life!
She will be remembered, and missed.
Rest In Peace ….you were loved dearly❣️
Lynn, so very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your mom. She was my Sunday school teacher, I loved to hear her sing at church, she made beautiful Barbie dolls clothes (I spent hours dressing my Barbie doll) AND she baked and decorated our wedding cake. Many talents. May she rest in peace.
Thank you for your “listening ears”, Your neighborhood friendship will always be cherished, you truly are at peace in your heavenly home with all the people you loved and cared for. Thank you Ethel for just being you.
A very lovely lady. Thoughts and prayers to her family
A joy to know you Ethel. Warm thoughts to your family
Dear Lynn….my deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your Mom….it will be different for you to realize she is not on this earth any more,, but safely in GOD’S care & healthy again….may God’s love give you comfort & may you dwell on many good memories.
She was a great mentor at Peace UCC. I learned a lot from Ethel. My heartfelt sympathy to you. Hugs and prayers.
I got to know Ethel when I started working at the Kremer House. I found her to be a genuinly sincere and caring person with a big heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you Lynn.
Such a special lady. RIP Ethel. My sympathy Lynn & family.
Ethel,
It was a pleasure to know you and your family. Being new to MN lake and finding out you lived here and hearing the stories were amazing. Rest in peace!
Lynn, hope you get this. Your Mother was such a lovely Lady. She did so much and gave so much to others. Please reach out to get in contact. Byron
A beautiful soul and a wonderful “just down the street” neighbor. Your kindness will forever be remembered.
Ethel was a lovely person. I would always buy her delicious bread pudding at the church food sale.
Lynn,
I have so many wonderful memories of your mom. What a talented lady, arranging flowers, baking wedding cakes, sewing, singing at church services, taking us to family gatherings and being a dear friend of my parents. She definitely had a positive influence on my younger years. What a grand lady! You will miss her deeply but surrounded yourself with beautiful memories you carry in your heart!
Hugs!
Maureen
Lynn, what a wonderful legacy your Mom left. May the Lord give you comfort and peace during time, and wonderful memories of her.