Kenneth Thomas Greiner (1938-2020)

GREINER, REED, JONES

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/14/2020 at 07:03:48

Kenneth “Red” Thomas Greiner, 81, of Toddville, Iowa, passed away with his wife at his side on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at Rock Ridge Residential Care Center in Shellsburg, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where a Parish Vigil Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Walker, Iowa, conducted by Reverend Jim Brokman. Burial with Military Honors will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Everyone is requested to wear a mask at the visitation and service and social distancing will be observed.

Red was born September 19, 1938, in Washington, Iowa, to the late Richard and Willus (Reed) Greiner. He attended St. Mary’s elementary school and then Wellman High School where he received his diploma. After graduating, Red proudly served in the United States Army, stationed near the Korean Demilitarized zone. He honorably served as an instructor of heavy equipment for the Army Corps 8th Engineers and eventually Red would meet Jeanette Vogel. They married on October 16, 1971, and she later passed away on September 20, 2000. Red would go onto meet Mary Rita Jones and found a second chance of love and companionship. They married on March 17, 2001, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Walker. Red started Greiner Well Service, Inc. in 1971, and owned/operated it for nearly 50 years. In the late 70’s he started Mid County Water, a utility company serving small developments in Eastern Iowa. In 1993, Red started Greiner Drilling Company with his children, Brad and Kendra.

Red’s favorite past times were spending time with family, running heavy equipment, fishing, traveling, and shopping. On September 20, 2016, Red and his son, Brad, went on the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. which was a highlight for Red. He truly enjoyed his second home in Florida and time with friends. Red spent much of his life volunteering. He chaired the St. Joseph Fun Days for many years and volunteered with the Knights of Columbus of Center Point. Through the years Red donated his time and materials to keep churches in water, no matter the denomination. God was the main influence in his life and he shared his belief with family and friends. Red was a true friend to everyone he met, and we were all lucky to have him in our lives.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Mary Rita McNamara Jones-Greiner; two children, Bradley (Tina Belding) Greiner and Kendra (Matt) Kisling; three step-children, Rose Marie (Tim) Jones, Danny (Nancy) Jones and Kenny (Terri) Jones; five grandchildren, Tyler and Britney Greiner, Lily, Charlie, and Callum Kisling; six step-grandchildren, Pat (Jessica) Jones, Chris (Katlin) Jones, Nicholas (fiancée, Breanna Claggett) Jones, Dustin (Ashley Holmes) Jones, Chelsea (Ian) Bakewell, and Conner Jones; five step-great-grandchildren, Ava, Kate, Dawson, Carrick and Quinn Jones; and two siblings, Joanne Hegewald and Dudley Greiner.

Red was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Willus; his first wife, Jeanette; two brothers, Rodney and Terry Greiner; brother-in-law, Willard Hegewald; and sister-in-law, Judy Greiner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Eastern Iowa Honor Flight, P.O. Box 10704, Cedar Rapids, IA 52410 or Hospice of Mercy, c/o Mercy Foundation, 701 10th St. S.E., Cedar Rapids, IA 52403.

The family would like to extend a special Thank you to Rock Ridge Care Center and Staff, Hospice of Mercy, Dr. Wayne Alberts and Dr. William Fusselman.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Kenneth "Red" Thomas Greiner please visit our Sympathy Store.