Submitted by: Dan Rich

George Russell Grenert

April 2, 1939 - Jan. 15, 2005

South Bend Tribune 1/17/2005

George Russell Grenert, 65, residing on Ironwood Road, South Bend, passed away at 11:25 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005, in Memorial Hospital of South Bend after becoming ill at home.

He was born April 2, 1939 in Lakeville, IN, as the son of Alva James & Vera (Overholt) Grenert, and has remained a lifelong resident of St. Joseph County.

On April 14, 1962, in South Side Church of God, South Bend, he married Susan Lee Landman. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 43 years, Susan, along with his daughter, S. Beth Grenert of South Bend; his son and daughter-in-law, William & Laurie Grenert of Terre Haute; and two grandchildren, Bryan Kyle Grenert, and Meredyth Lucille Grenert both of Terre Haute. Also surviving George are four sisters, Kate (Paul) Doerr, Sue LaGue, and Joyce Grenert all of South Bend; and Mary (Stan) Schlemmer of North Liberty; and a brother, Jesse (Joan) Grenert of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Martha Warner; and four brothers, Walter, William, Elmer and John Grenert.

Mr. Grenert retired as a truck driver from USF Holland on October 31, 2003. He had previously been employed for twenty-seven years with National Mill. He attended Mishawaka Grace Brethren Church. He served in the United States Marine Corp. and reserves from 1960-1966; was a member of the South Bend Softball Umpires Association from 1968-2004, where he was a past president. He served as an ICCL Official for 40 years, IHSAA member since 1968 to the present, was a member of National Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame, and umpired in seven ASA National tournaments. He was also a member of the St. Joseph Valley Athletic Association, volunteered for St. Joseph County Special Olympics, and was a member of the Teamsters Local #364.

Services for Mr. Grenert will be held at Noon, Wednesday, January 19, 2005 in Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Davy Troxel will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. The family will receive friends from 4:00 -- 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, and one hour prior to services Wednesday in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel.