Wayne Floyd Gries 1927 - 2019

POWELL, GRIES, ROWE

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 6/21/2019 at 18:21:20

Onawa Democrat
15 May 2019

Wayne F. Gries, 91, of Onawa, Iowa passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at the First Christian Church in Onawa, Iowa with Pastor Michael Lewis, officiating.

Burial will be in the Onawa Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force and the David McNeill American Legion Post #129 of Onawa, Iowa. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Monday, May 13, 2019 at the Rush Family Chapel in Onawa, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Family Care Service, Onawa, Iowa.

Wayne Floyd Gries was born July 20, 1927 in Onawa, Iowa the son of Richard Glen and Hildred Mae (Powell) Gries. He grew up in Onawa and graduated from Onawa High School in 1945. He served in the United States Air Force from November 29, 1948 until his honorable discharge on July 19, 1949.

Wayne and Sue Rowe were united in marriage on October 29, 1950. The couple made their home in Onawa where they raised their family.

Wayne worked at the Lark School in Onawa as a custodian for several years and then for the Onawa State Bank as a teller, where he retired in 1992.

He was a lifelong resident of Onawa where he was actively involved in many activities and community events. He served on the Onawa City Council and the Onawa Chamber of Commerce Board for many years. Wayne was a founding member of the Lewis and Clark-Friends of Discovery and enjoyed hosting camping at Blue Lake and was always active with promoting, especially the Keel Boat. He cherished the time spent with his family, and especially loved watching his kids and grandkids activities every chance he could get. Wayne was a past Boy Scout Leader, youth baseball coach, and enjoyed playing Legion baseball.

Wayne was a member of the First Christian Church in Onawa and was a past Elder of the church and youth group sponsor.

Survivors include his three sons, Ron (Cindy) Gries of Mapleton, IA, Roger Gries of Onawa, IA, and Rick (Sharon) Gries of Castana, IA; a daughter, Lannine Knapp and her friend, Bill Lambing of Sioux City, IA; nine grandchildren, Kellie (Curtis) Runge, Camden Knapp, Brady (Kellie) Gries, Kevin (Jenny) Gries, Shayna Gries, Lane Gries, Whitney Gries, Casey (Hope) Gries and Curtis (Trisha) Gries; fourteen great-grandchildren; his canine companion, Skeeter; and many nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Sue Gries (on October 12, 2011); one infant son; two granddaughters, Jessica Nicole Templeton and Shawnah Gries; one great- grandson, Gabriel Runge; four brothers, Richard (infant), Leo, Clifford, and Ralph; and two sisters, Eilene Kellogg and Rita Tupper.

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