Conrad Olaf Urke

Conrad “Con” Olaf Urke was born December 3, 1931, on a farm in Pope County, Minnesota. He was the son of Knut and Clara Hedvig (Lien) Urke. He was baptized on January 17, 1932, and confirmed on October 7, 1945, by Rev. K. R. Palmer at West Zion Lutheran Church in rural Hancock, Minnesota.

Con grew up on a farm in Langhei Township, Pope County, Minnesota. He attended District #51 Country School for grades one through eight. He then attended high school in Starbuck, Minnesota, graduating in 1949. After graduation, Con furthered his education at the University of Minnesota.

On July 4, 1958, Con married Gretchen Lee at the Lutheran Church in Morris, Minnesota. Con’s uncle, Reverend Gilman Lien, officiated the ceremony. Together they raised five children: Julie, David, Diane, Janel, and Brent.

Con was born on the farm, lived on the farm, and worked for various farmers. He had a farming life until 1951 when Con went and served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He served with Company “C” 32nd Medium Tank Battalion and the 516th Military Police, U. S. Army Caribbean, until 1953. Con came home and drove truck for three years. From 1956 to 1962 Con was a Benson Police Officer and became a Minnesota State Patrolman in 1962 until his retirement in 1988. After he retired, Con continued to serve as a Special Deputy Sheriff and Bailiff for Swift County Courts until 2017.

Con was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota, and was on the property board. He volunteered as the weekend church custodian, and rang the church bell each Sunday morning. Con was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. and served as a member of the V.F.W Color Guard. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing cards. Con also loved having coffee and spending time with his friends, lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.

Con learned to speak English in grade school. He and his siblings spoke Norwegian whenever they gathered as adults. Con was a man of faith, proud of his family, career, and serving his country. He treated all people the same, even when it came to pulling over family members. He was known to interject humor into just about any situation. His work ethic and giving of time, talent, and treasure was passed along to his children.

Con passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Grand Arbor in Alexandria, Minnesota. He was 93 years old. He is survived by his children: Julie Urke of Alexandria, David (Lori) Urke of Northfield, Diane (Bernie) Feidt of Faribault, Janel (Apham) Nnaji of Eden Prairie, and Brent (Teryl) Urke of Alexandria; 12 grandchildren: Jill (Jay) Kemper, Zach (Alyssa) Tatge, Kirsten (Steve) Klosinski, Brendan (Autumn) Urke, Nathaniel Urke, David Urke, Zeke Nnaji, Maya Nnaji, Josie Nnaji, Greta Urke, Grace Urke, and Jason Urke; three great-grandchildren: Audrey Tatge, Georgia Klosinski, and Leon Klosinski; and sister Inga Mae Urke of Starbuck; sisters-in-law Carol Lee and Loretta Urke; and many nieces and nephews. Con was preceded in death by his wife Gretchen Urke, parents Knut and Clara Urke, and siblings: Ingolf Urke, Dena (Leonard) Hofstad, Marvin Urke, and Alfred Urke, nephew Mark Urke, and niece DeAnn Grote.

The family is forever grateful to the staff at Grand Arbor for taking care of Dad these past eight years. Thank you to the Hospice Team of Douglas County who brought compassionate care during his last months.

Blessed be the memory of Conrad Urke.