Howard J. Grenell's Obituary
Howard Grenell Obituary
Howard J. Grenell, 90, of Elyria, entered into heaven August 27, 2011 at EMH Healthcare. He was born July 22, 1921 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and his family moved to Milwaukee, where he grew up. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and saw action in the South Pacific as a navigator, flying supplies into Guadalcanal. After the war, he returned to Milwaukee, where he graduated from Marquette University. It was here that he met the love of his life Jean and they were married in 1950. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Washington, DC, where he received his Masters Degree in social work from Catholic University and has been a resident of Elyria since 1954.Howard retired from Cleveland Psychiatric Institute, where he was director of social work:growing bored with retirement, he became the social worker on the dialysis unit at EMH Healthcare. He was a loyal member of St. Mary Church for over 50 years, where he served on various committees, a life member of the Elyria V.F.W. #1079 and a former member of Elyria Kiwanis Club. He was an avid bridge player, traveled around the world with his wife, loved classical music, reading, ballroom dancing and gardening. Howard is survived by his children, Susan, Sally and David and his grandchildren; Sarah, Mark, Jason, Jackie, Charlie and Kaitlin. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Jean, March 31, 2011. Friends will be received Monday, September 5, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at Dicken Funeral Home, 323 Middle Ave. Elyria. A 10:00 a.m. funeral mass will follow at St. Mary Church, 320 Middle Ave. Elyria with Rev. Charles T. Diedrick as celebrant. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. Elyria V.F.W. #1079 will conduct military honors at the grave.Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Ohio, 2831 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115-2606. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com
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