Gregory Allen Gmeiner

Gregory Allen Gmeiner, age 74, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2026. He will be remembered for his strong faith, loving relationships with his family, dedication to his work, and the joy he brought to the many people whose lives he touched.

Greg was born on February 25, 1952, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Elmer and Edith Gmeiner. He was the oldest of four children and was blessed with three sisters: Patsy Ajax of Elk River, Minnesota; Sue Platt of Minot, North Dakota; and Mary Koshoshek of Charlotte, North Carolina. His parents preceded him in death, along with his brother-in-law Steve Ajax.

Greg took his Catholic faith very seriously and was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge. He regularly attended Mass and often served as a greeter, along with helping with various small tasks around the church. His faith was an important part of his life, and his church family was very meaningful to him.

Greg shared a special bond with his sisters. They loved him dearly, and he loved them just as deeply. He made a point of calling or sending cards to them on their birthdays and holidays, staying connected with the people who meant so much to him.

Greg spent portions of his early life at St. Cloud Children’s Hospital from September 1, 1961, until June 1964. He was then transferred to Brainerd State Hospital, where he remained from April 1968 until October 1971, followed by Fergus Falls State Hospital until 1974. He later lived at Project New Hope until 1994. In February 1994, Greg moved in with Bob and Renola Homan in Alexandria, Minnesota, where he received vocational skills training through the Alexandria Opportunity Center.

On August 28, 1996, Greg entered his final corporate foster care home in Breckenridge through West Central Community Services. There, he truly lived his best life. He enjoyed going to movies, attending holiday dances, going out to eat, playing games with his peers, and being an active part of his community. Greg developed many meaningful friendships and was cared for and supported by staff members who became an important part of his life. He will be dearly missed by the staff who have had the privilege of knowing and supporting him for many years.

Greg began vocational skills training at the Wilkin County DAC on September 3, 1996, to May 8, 2026. Over the years, he held many community jobs, including folding laundry at St. Catherine’s Living Center, performing janitorial work at Blazer Express, and delivering Midweek newspapers.

In 2001-2002, Greg began working at the Wilkin Eatery in Breckenridge. He remained there until his retirement in 2023. Greg loved his work at Wilkin Eatery, and his coworkers and staff truly enjoyed having him as part of their team. He was treated with love, kindness, and respect, and his years at Wilkin were an important and happy part of his life. Greg will be remembered as a hard worker and devoted employee.

Greg will be lovingly remembered by his three sisters and brothers-in-law: Patsy Ajax and Brian Hackbarth; Sue and Verne Platt; and Mary and Mike Koshoshek; three nieces, April Platt, Amber Pogreba, and Erica Bomberger; and three nephews, Cory Platt, Christopher Edner, and Matt Koshoshek. Four great-nieces and three great-nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his loving staff and friends from West Central Community Services, the Wilkin County DAC, and the Wilkin Eatery, as well as his many friends, coworkers, and members of his church community.

Greg leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, hard work, kindness, and love. His smile, dedication, friendships, and caring spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Gall's Cemetery in Tintah, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate a life well lived.

May Greg rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of God and the many people who loved him.

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