John F. Gronewold, 81 of Riverton, died at 11:55 am, Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Villa Healthcare East in Sherman. He was born August 9, 1930 in Saybrook, IL to Herman and Martha Bustle Gronewold. He married Earlene Kessel on September 5, 1953 and she survives him.
Also surviving are two daughters, Terra (Ken) Nichele of Homer Glenn, IL and Lori Gronewold of Riverton; three grandchildren, John (fiancé: Katie) Nichele, Joseph (Kelly) Nichele and Ashley Nichele and numerous nieces, nephew, great and great-great nieces and Nephews and several cousins.
His parents; five brothers, Herman, Jacob “Jake”, Eugene “Gene”, Joseph “Joe” and Patrick and seven sisters, Anna “Ann” Schramm, Clara Gronewold, Catherine “Kay” Hamilton, Margaret “Mickie” Peralta, Martha “Marty” Nunn, Mary Agnes “Aggie” Croft and Alice Gronewold preceded him in death.
John was a U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1949-1950. He was a member of St. James Church in Riverton. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and attended the first World Series Game in the new Busch Stadium in 2006.
He worked in weights and measurements at Pillsbury Mills for 41 years and as Floor Director at Channel 20 TV for 7 years.
Visitation: 9:30 am – 11:00 am, Monday, October 3, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home
Funeral Service: 11 am, Monday, October 3, 2011 at Staab Funeral Home with Reverend Joseph Ring officiating. Burial will be in Old Salem Cemetery, where Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct military honors.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Villa Health Care East.
Time: 11:00 am
Staab Funeral Home - Springfield
Staab Funeral Home - Springfield
Dorotha Jean Shoemaker posted on 10/1/11
Earlene: I know what you are going through, it has not been long ago that I just went through the same thing. I know John will be missed and it will take a long time for you to get every thing taken care of that has to be done. You have my deepest Sympathy. My Love and Prayers to you. Jean Shoemaker