A Short History for Fred Grenz

Unlike his brothers, my father Gottlieb did not place a great value on too much education for his children.  Instead, we were all on "short-years" as far as education was concerned.  When it was time to get the seeding done in the Spring, we were pulled out of school.  In the Fall, we were not sent back to school until the harvest was over.  As a result, I did not even graduate from 8th Grade, since my older brothers were all in Service during WWII  and I was the oldest son left to help my father with the farm work.

Although I did not have a "formal education", I did learn many things from my father of a practical nature, which have helped me during my working years.

I served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War.  I also worked at Rexnord for 42 years. where I did various jobs ranging from working in the stockroom to operating the boilers.  During the last 25 years of my employment at Rexnord, I worked in the Maintenance Dept. where I was in charge of a crew who did everything from breaking concrete to tarring the roofs.  We also installed concrete, painted walls, laid tiles in the offices plus out on the factory floor, and walls, laid tiles in the offices plus out on the factory floor, and even did plumbing and electrical work.  I have my father to thank for that, since he taught me that I was capable of doing anything!

Shirley has worked as a Secretary and Accounting Clerk during her working years, although she did take 17 years out to raise our children.

Obituary For Fred Grenz

Grenz, Fred Age 88, found peace Wednesday, August 22, 2018 surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Shirley. Proud father of Rae (Captain Ron) Lampe, Terry (Kathy), Dan and the late Tim. Adoring grandpa of George (Sherry) Woida, Rhonda Woida, Jim (Lori) Hanson, Michelle Grenz, Renee (August) Wassenaar, Ashley Grenz and the late Michael Grenz.

Further survived by 4 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many loving friends.

Graveside services with military honors will be held Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Highland Memorial Park, 14875 W. Greenfield, in New Berlin, at 1PM.

Obituary For Shirley Grenz (Johnson)

Grenz, Shirley (Nee Johnson) Age 87, Found Peace Thursday, December 21, 2017.

Loving wife of 66 years to Fred. Proud mother of Rae (Captain Ron) Lampe, Terry (Kathy), Dan and the late Tim. Adoring grandma of Geaorge (Sherry) Woida, Rhonda Woida, Jim (Lori) Hanson, Michelle Grenz, Renee (August) Wassanaak, Ashley Grenz, Sara (Matt) Kroha, Mike Tobionski, Mark Tobionski and the late Michael Grenz, Great-grandma of 6 great-grandchildren.

Further survived by her sister Lori (Art) Waller, Judy Grenz, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many loving friends.

Services for Shirley will take place in the summer of 2018, please contact the family for details. A special thanks to the staff of the ICU at West Allis Memorial for their excellent and compassionate care of Shirley.