Martha Grenz

Martha (Brenneise) Grenz

Otto M. Grenz was born June 15, 1899 in Eureka, SD the son of Christian and Barbara (Nathan) Grenz. He came to North Dakota with his parents settling on a farm 121/2 miles east of Napoleon in the Flat vicinity where he also attended rural schools.

Otto and Martha Brenneise were united in marriage on October 19, 1920 in the Flat Baptist Church, Logan County, by Pastor August Auch. Martha was born October 3, 1902 in the Flat vicinity near Streeter, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Betz) Brenneise, where she also attended rural schools. The couple lived in Streeter where Otto was employed at the lumber yard until 2925 when they moved to Napoleon.

Mr. Grenz was employed with and operated several businesses in Napoleon until 1946 when he purchased an interest in John Deere and Ford dealership in Napoleon Known as Logan Auto and Implement Co. with Adam and Edwin Wentz. Also included was the operation of Hazelton Implement of Hazelton, ND. He was associated with the business until 1971 when he sold his interest.

Otto served as village clerk, on the city council and was a member of various organizations and boards including the board to organize the Senior Center at Napoleon and a member of the board of the Baptist Home in Bismarck, ND. He was very active in the Napoleon Baptist Church, holding various offices including 25 years as deacon. Otto passed away suddenly at his home in Napoleon on June 3, 1972 at the age of 71.

The Grenzes have one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Alexzine) Brooks, Minot, ND and three grandchildren, Lisa, Candy and Becky.

Mrs. Grenz continues to make her home in Napoleon and is a member of the Napoleon Baptist Church, where she remains active. She too has held many positions and offices within the church throughout the years.

North Dakota Centennial Book 1884 - 1984

Martha (Brenneise) Grenz - Obituary

THE BISMARCK TRIBUNE
Date Of Death 03/05/1998
Age 95
Bismarck ND

Martha Grenz, 95, Baptist Home, Bismarck, died March 5, 1998, in a Bismarck nursing home, where she had been a resident since 1994. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Napoleon Baptist Church, with the Revs. Wes Gerber and Harold Mindeman officiating. Burial will be in Napoleon City Cemetery. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Sunday at Boelter Funeral Home, Bismarck, and will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Martha was born on Oct. 2, 1902, near Streeter, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Betz) Brenneise. She was raised and educated in the Streeter area. Martha married Otto Grenz on Oct. 19, 1920, at the Flat Baptist Church in Logan County. They lived with his parents until 1925, when they moved to Napoleon. Mr. Grenz died on June 3, 1972. Martha moved to Bismarck in 1987.

She was a member of Napoleon Baptist Church, charter member of the Women's Missionary Fellowship, Director of Children's Sunday School and Sunday School Teacher for many years. She was active in community activities and a charter member of Thursday Study Club.

Martha is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Alexzine and Bob Brooks, Minot; one sister, Freda Dockter, Mequon, Minn.; three granddaughters, Lisa Lindquist, Candy Brooks and Becky Nelson; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by five sisters and one brother. (Boelter Funeral Home, Bismarck)

Otto M Grenz

Napoleon Homestead June 7, 1972 - Obituary

Otto Grenz married in the Flat Baptist Church, Logan County and the couple lived with his parents until 1925 when they moved to Napoleon. Mr. Grenz worked on Ed Graf's dray line, at John Rohrich's implement shop, was a cream buyer for two years, was a partner with George Rohrich in the implement business for a year, and was a trucker before he went to work for John C. Roth in the Napoleon Creamery in 1931. After four years at the creamery, Otto purchased an interest in the garage now knows as Wentz Chevrolet, and later became sole owner of the garage which he operated until Jan. 1948. that year he purchased an interest in the Logan Auto and Implement business with Adam and Edwin Wentz, a business he was associated with until 1971 when he sold his interest to Rodney and Norman Wentz. While with Logan Auto and Implement, Otto and Edwin Wentz also operated Hazelton Implement at Hazelton. Served for 12 years on the board of the Baptist home in Bismarck. Active member of the Napoleon Baptist Church. Burial was at Napoleon City Cemetery.