Garnet Kanne Obituary

Garnet Kanne, age 90, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

Services will be held in the Summer of 2025.

Please return as service times will be placed here as soon as they become available.

Garnet Gene Kanne was born August 5, 1934, in Grant County, SD, to Lawrence and Minnie (Mielitz) Kanne. Garnet attended country school in Grant County, SD, until they moved to Ortonville, MN. He graduated from Ortonville High School in 1952. Soon after, he was drafted into the army.

After serving, he returned to the family farm and pitched in wherever he was needed. He excelled at fixing tractors and equipment. He would just beam with happiness when his repairs had things up and running again. His tenderness was really evident when checking one of the dogs for burrs or when a calf would give him a nudge because it was time for supper. Through the years, he realized that he had quite the green thumb and later helped to expand the family garden.

Gladiolas became an obsession to share with friends and family. Soon, the abundance of flowers, vegetables, and apples that grew on the farm were also offered for sale at the farmers markets. He was always very happy to share his knowledge and offer suggestions when asked. He would have a blast when he would go out fishing or hunting his family and friends. 

Sunday church services had a special place in his heart. He loved singing in the church choir. When he was younger, every once in a while, he could be heard singing when he shut the tractor down. The love of reading a good book and the sheer enjoyment of sharing a good story or joke was with him until the end. He will be greatly missed.

Garnet is survived by his nieces: Karol (Jon) Saboe; and Terri Thomson; great- niece and nephews: Kate, Steven, and David; great-great-nephew, Xavier; along with numerous cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers: Lyle and Arlin Kanne; sisters: Eileen Kanne and Caryl Foy; sister-in-law, Rose Kanne; brother-in-law, Harold Foy; along with many aunts and uncles.