Recalling a friend, Kenning brings trio of M-M tractors to Root River Show

When Andrew Kenning thinks about Minneapolis-Moline tractors, he can't help but remember his good friend, Clarence Klenke.

The two met when Klenke agreed to be Kenning's confirmation mentor at Racine United Methodist Church. It wasn't long after, right around 2004, when Kenning began working on Klenke's farm just north of Racine, where Klenke grew corn, soybeans and hay and raised 20 head of beef cows. Soon, Kenning learned how much Klenke loved Minneapolis-Moline tractors.

"He had 80 acres, and we did it all with old tractors," Kenning said. "We picked the corn on the ear and shelled it with a Minneapolis-Moline E corn sheller. Minneapolis-Moline is what he ran with, and it stuck with me."

When Klenke died unexpectedly in 2014, Kenning wanted to do something special for his old friend. That's why he brought 15 orange Minneapolis-Moline tractors to the Root River Antique Historical Power Association Antique Engine and Tractor Show south of Racine that year.

For more on this story pick up your copy of the July 18 Stewartville STAR.

Andrew Kenning of Grand Meadow, with memories of his good friend Clarence Klenke still fresh in his mind, brought three Minneapolis-Moline tractors to this year’s Root River Antique Historical Power Association Antique Engine and Tractor Show, including the 1953 45 R pictured above. Minneapolis-Moline was the featured brand at this year’s show. Klenke and Kenning used Minneapolis-Moline tractors to farm 80 acres north of Racine from 2004 to 2014.