Ordean Clifford Greseth, 88, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Ordean was born June 9, 1936, to Olaf and Clara (Thompson) Greseth of Wanamingo, Minnesota. He grew up on the Greseth fourth generation farm. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and most of all his horses. Ordean attended Wanamingo High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He was proud to be named the Hiawatha Valley Conference leading scorer in basketball and his basketball team was recently inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
Ordean graduated in 1954 and entered the United States Army Reserves. On December 20, 1958 Ordean married Bonnie Jackson at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Aspelund. Ordean farmed on the family dairy farm with his parents. He also sold insurance for Wanamingo Mutual Insurance company. Ordean took over for his father, Olaf ,who also sold insurance for Wanamingo Mutual, In addition, Ordean enjoyed being a school bus driver for Wanamingo. Which, by the way, is when got to know Bonnie who happened to be one of his passengers.
Together, Ordean and Bonnie raised three daughters and one son. Ordean coached many youth basketball and softball teams over years, even a Granny basketball team! Ordean and Bonnie enjoyed attending all music and sporting events of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was known to take credit for home runs and three point baskets by saying “Looks like Ordean” with a quick smile. Ordean’s family was his pride and joy!
Of the utmost importance to Ordean was his faith. He was a devoted member of Lands Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, MN. He thoroughly enjoyed fellowship, Bible studies and attending various events including the annual Lutefisk Dinner, prepared by his wife, Bonnie!
Known as “The Horseman from Wanamingo”, he enjoyed sharing his love for his Clydesdales with everyone. He never missed an opportunity to share photos and stories of parades and horse shows. Ordean had a good sense of humor which endeared him to many. He will be missed.
Ordean is survived by his wife of 65 years Bonnie, daughters Tanyia (Todd) Greseth, Michelle (Dave) Malchow, Nikki (Dan Roche) Glawe and son Todd (Laurie) Greseth. Grandchildren; Tina (Adam) Branstad, Meghan Malchow, Jon (Cydney) Bucher, Mikayla Malchow, Liz (Travis) Burt, Derek (Ellyn) Greseth, Matt (Jayce) Malchow, Caleb (Kalley) Greseth, Amber (Jacob) Murphy, Ashley (Sam) Lenz. Great Grandchildren; Leo Malchow, Jocelyn Hansen, Vera Burt, Violet Burt, Jack Branstad and Jax Malchow.
Ordean is preceeded in death by his parents, Olaf and Clara Greseth, his sister Ann (Greseth) Rocek, brother, Lester Greseth and two infant great grandsons: Lenny James Burt and Samuel Alexander Burt.
Visitation was held at Lands Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 7 at1 pm, with a memorial service at 3 pm followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Lands Lutheran Church in Ordean’s memory.
