Gregory Risland

Gregory Todd Risland, age 48, died Friday, September 18, 2015, at home in Rice, MN. Greg was born on September 19, 1966, in Robbinsdale, MN, to Norman L. and Rayetta (Wymore) Risland. He served in the Army during the Gulf War and was stationed in Germany where he met his wife, Sonja. After his discharge they moved back to Minnesota and Greg enrolled in the diesel mechanics program at Alexandria Tech. After he graduated they moved back to Germany. Greg learned how to read, write and speak fluent German while working in Germany for a year. He then got a job at the BMW plant and was chosen to go to Sweden for robotics training. He worked as Supervisor in the Robotics Department until he returned to Minnesota in 2001. Greg was an avid reader, loved fishing, classic cars, grilling, eating and talking with friends and family.

Greg is survived by his daughter, Janina, son, Justin, grandson, Leon and two brothers-in-law, all of Germany; his parents, Norman, of Rice, MN, and Rayetta, of Pine River; brothers, Jason and Russell; sisters, Lina and Audrey; nieces: Rayna, Jamie, Raechel, Abigail, Jaci; nephews: Aaron, Daniel, Neely, Jaron, Joshua, Ayden; and great nephews, Dylan and Jobe.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Eric, Frank and Norman; niece, Kelsey; and brother-in-law, Leon.

Graveside services will be 2 PM on Saturday, September 26, at Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine River.