Obituary - Karl Ivan Grenz

June 27, 2012 12:15 am

Nov. 3, 1930 - June 15, 2012

Karl Ivan Grenz, 81, of Lebanon, died June 15, 2012.

There was a celebration of life on June 23 at Lebanon First Assembly of God.

Private burial took place at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

He was born on Nov. 3, 1930, in Corvallis, the second oldest of seven children.　 He grew up in the Buena Vista area. He joined the Navy Reserve at 17, before finishing high school, which he later completed as an adult.

He went into the U.S. Army, volunteering to go to Korea and served with the Second Division. He received his Combat Infantry Badge and fought in the battle for Heart Break Ridge. He left the Army as a staff sergeant. 　

He worked for Grenz and Grenz Lumber. He later went to work for West Fir Plywood and picked berries when they went on strike.　 He worked for Crown Zellerbach in Lebanon for 35 years until they closed the mill.

He worked for James River, closing the mill in Lebanon and then at the James River Mill in Camas Washington for three years until retiring.

After retiring, he worked for Buckner Construction and then for APS maintaining paint booths.

He worked part time as a janitor at First Assembly of God until his health no longer allowed it. 　

He was a member of Lebanon First Assembly of God and American Legion Post 51.

He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 58 years; sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Darlene, and Kristopher and Tonya; brother Gene; sisters Pat and Kay; seven grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

His daughter Katherine Grenz-Rodgers, parents Charles and Enola; brothers Marvin and Daniel and sister Shirley all died before he did.　 　

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions to help with funeral costs be made in his name to Huston Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355