John William Grunenwald

John Grunenwald, 94, passed away on January 10, 2023, in Corpus Christi , Texas.

John Grunenwald was born on January 25, 1928 in Kingston, NY, to John Grunenwald and Frances Grunenwald.

John graduated from Kingston High School in 1945 and went on to earn a masters degree in Political Science from the University of Miami in 1971. He started his career as an enlisted Navy Sailor at the age of 17 and went on to advance to the rank of Commander.  John had a long Navy career and served for 29 years. He got his wings in Pensacola, Florida in 1955 and flew for many years. He served on the aircraft carrier the USS Lake Champlain and had a long and interesting military career.

John was previously married to Ollie Ree Grunenwald . The couple had 3 children, Joan Hillers, Susan Grunenwald, Debbie Stefferrs. He married Jackie the love of his life on 09/04/1999 and they had many fond memories of living on " Web Foot Lake".

John was best known for his love of reading, jigsaw puzzles, and eating a good meal. He also, in his retirement years, enjoyed traveling the west in his motor home and prospecting for gold.

John is survived by Jackie Grunenwald - spouse, of Corpus Christi, Joan Hillers - daughter, Susan Grunenwald - daughter, Debbie Stefferrs - daughter, Collin Matuszak - great-grandchild, Susan Matuszak - granddaughter, Kelsey Veillon - granddaughter, Cody Hillers - grandson, Janet Rosenthal - daughter-in-law, , Rob Rosenthal - son-in-law, Elizabeth Rosenthal - granddaughter, Eric Rosenthal - grandson, Lisa Kessell - daughter-in-law, Gary Kessel -son-in-law, Matthew Kessell - grandchild, Amy Kessell - grandaughter, Danielle Kessell - granddaughter, Frank Gille - brother, Donald Gille - brother.

John is preceded in death by John Grunenwald - father, Frances Grunenwald - mother, and 4 brothers.

The service for John Grunenwald will be held on January 21, 2023 at 1pm Galilean Lutheran Church 3321 Cimarron Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78414

Memorial donations can be made in John's name to The Nature Conservancy, nature.org/stockgift.
 

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