Grosenbach, Gerald A. 1916-2008

GROSENBACH, WILLIAMS, PARKHURST, MILLER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/6/2010 at 07:58:10

Grinnell Herald-Register (Grinnell, Iowa) June 26, 2008

GERALD A. GROSENBACH

Gerald A. Grosenbach, 92, of Grinnell died Sunday, June 22, 2008, at Friendship Manor.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, June 25 at Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Len Eberhart, pastor of the Grinnell United Methodist Church, officiating. Organist was Kathleen Heffner. Casket bearers were Jerry Baker, Dennis Fleener, Jim Grosenbach, John Grosenbach, Dale Miller, Jim Saunders and Larry Sedrel. Honorary bearers were Dick Grosenbach, Earl Parkhurst, Dennis Rozenberg and Don Sedrel. Burial at Hazelwood Cemetery followed the service. Memorials may be made to the Grinnell United Methodist Church and sent in care of Smith Funeral Home.

He was born April 14, 1916, in Ford County, Melvin, Ill., to Albert John and Edith Williams Grosenbach. He moved with his family in 1927 to Kaskaskia Island between Illinois and Missouri, and later that year moved to the Algona, Iowa, area. In 1934, the family made their permanent home in Grinnell. On March 5, 1938, he was united in marriage with Mary Gertrude Parkhurst in Memphis, Mo. They farmed, had a dairy herd in the Poweshiek and Jasper County area and he drove a bulk milk truck for many years. In the late 1960s, he began driving a delivery truck for the Rudy Patrick Seed Co. In 1971, he began work with Poweshiek-Jasper Farm Service. He retired in 1981 on his farm on the north edge of Grinnell.

He was initiated into Hermon Lodge No. 273, A.F. & A.M. on June 24, 1981. In retirement he enjoyed his years as a Mason; helped taxi his granddaughters to school events, and being an usher at the Grinnell United Methodist Church. He continued his farming operation with his son, overseeing things from his tractor, golf cart, four wheeler and 'gator. He also enjoyed a friendly game of cards with family members and friends.

He is survived by his wife Mary; his son Gerald Grosenbach Jr. of Grinnell; two granddaughters and one brother, Arthur Grosenbach of Grinnell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert, Edith and Gayle Grosenbach; one sister Alberta Miller and his brothers, Emory Grosenbach and Milton Grosenbach.