July 23, 1999
It is with profound sadness that we note the death of Fred Gruenhage, 88, of Columbus, Nebraska, father of Donne (Gruenhage) Leigh and father-in- law of Phyllis (Muñoz) Leigh of San Diego. Mr. Gruenhage died of pneumonia brought about as a result of Alzheimer's disease.
The Gruenhage family roots lead back to Germany. The first Gruenhages' migrated to the United States in the early 1800s. They first settled in Ohio then migrated to Iowa and finally settled in Nebraska. Fred Gruenhage was born in Germantown, Iowa on Sept. 4, 1910 to Albert and Methilda E. (Kluender) Gruenhage. He was raised in Shickley, Nebraska where he received his Primary and Secondary education. He graduated from Shickley High School. After graduation, he went to work at the Shickley Bank where he rose to the position of Assistant Cashier. He moved to Columbus, Nebraska, in 1938 and accepted a position with the Columbus Bank and Trust. He worked there until he entered the United States Armed Forces. In 1942, he began serving in the United States Army Air Corps and served until 1945 when he was mustered out at the end of WWII as a Staff Sergeant.
In 1943, while in the Service, he met, courted and married Elva Helen Grotelueschen, also of German heritage. Of this Union were born Donne, Gary, Robert and one daughter, Norma. After his discharge, he utilized the skills and Business Education he was provided by the Army at Wake Forest University and what he had learned while working in the Army Air Corps Finance Department. He established and managed the Columbus Credit Bureau until 1960 when he opened and managed Gruenhage Insurance Agency and Tax Consulting business. A business that would last until 1985 when he retired.
Aside from his business career, he devoted much of his time to his wife and growing family. It was only natural that he would continue his passion for the "The Big Red One", the football powerhouse of Nebraska, pick up his love for the St. Louis Cardinals, and playing golf. He would pass these passions to his sons and daughter. He somehow found time to participate as a member of Rotary Club, in which he served as Treasurer for 34 years; the local Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion, Hartman Post 84. As a devoted Lutheran, he served as church treasurer. He also served as a member of the Laymen's League and the Treasurer of Daily Devotions for 20 years.
Fred Gruenhage, Husband, Father, Grandfather and loving Father-in-law died and was buried with full military honors by American Legion Honor Guard of the Hartman Post 84 in Roselawn Cemetery, Columbus, Nebraska.
He is survived by his wife Elva; three sons, Donne (Phyllis), San Diego, Gary (Peg), Auburn, Alabama and Robert of Casper Wyo. One daughter; Norma (Wayne) Kramer, of Houston, Texas. In addition he is survived by four loving Grandchildren: Carissa & Justin Leigh, David & Megan Kramer.
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