Velma Gruenwald

Velma Helen Gruenwald, 85, of Bartlett passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 4th, 2016. She was born on March 28, 1931 in Lost Nation, Iowa to Harold Bruce and Ruby Thelma (Johnson) Duemong. She graduated from Baldwin High School, Baldwin, Iowa, American Institute of Commerce, Davenport, Iowa, and Elgin Community College, Elgin, Illinois. While at college, she played basketball for the American International College travel team. On June 11, 1950, she was married to Leo William Gruenwald. Together they raised seven children.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett, where she served as a Sunday School Superintendent, Preschool Director, and Director of Education, as well as, a Thrivent chapter leader and within the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She also volunteered with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on the survivor’s committee of Immanuel Lutheran’s team. In 1974, Bartlett named her “Woman of the Year.” Professionally, she worked with distinction as an administrative assistant for fifty years, retiring in 1999. In 1987, she was featured in Who’s Who in Professional and Executive Women. After retirement, she proudly served as a school crossing guard for thirteen years. In her leisure time, she was an avid golfer, achieving a hole-in-one at Apple Orchard golf course. She regularly played Bridge with her friends. The Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and Iowa Hawkeyes were her favorite sports teams to watch. She also loved to travel and spend time with her family and friends. Her travels took her to Europe, Israel, Africa, Costa Rica, Canada, and throughout the United States.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild
Leo @ Velma Gruenwald’s
Family Tree (1950 – Today)
Bonnie (Charles) Hulke;
Daniel (Kristy), Stacy, Cayden son of Stacy, Kimberly
Ryan, Ravyn, Phoenix
Charles Jr. (Megan), TeddiAnn
Rodney (Bonnie) Gruenwald;
Ty (Jess):Cameron, Dominic, Clarissa, Zander, Kiyah
Travis (Niki):Kalie, Jasmine, Dominic, Bailee, Kacen
Tony (Sheryll)
Beth Wood
Mark (Jenny);
Aimee (Mike): Christopher, Candis, Scarlett, Sean
Matt (Ashley): Kinsley, Chloe
Lindsey: Jordyn, Madison, Garrett
Andy (Bridget): Lily, Parker
Angela (Joe): Flecity, Michael, Meadow
Todd Davison;
Tremor , Taylor{deceased} Shayna
Lisa Applegate;
James, Jacob
Greg (Beth) Davison;
Jenna.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four sisters, two brothers, and one grandchild. Visitation will be at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett on Friday, September 9th at 10:00 am. Memorial services will follow at noon. Memorials may be made to the church or organization of your choice. Arrangements handled by Countryside Funeral Home & Crematory, Bartlett. Info (630)289-7575 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com