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BORN
1953
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Gunnar Grenman Obituary
Gunnar Grenman, 64, of Higganum, CT, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 10, 2018. Born in Middletown, on November 14, 1953, he was the son of the late Ernest and Joyce (Carini) Grenman. He was also predeceased by his brother, James Grenman.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (Murphy) Grenman, of Higganum, daughter, Ashley (Grenman) Araujo and son in law Edvan Araujo, of Chalmette, LA, sister, Nancy Grenman, of Higganum, brother, John Grenman, of Moodus, grandchildren Jessaly and Ryan Araujo, along with many nieces and nephews.
Gunnar was a graduate of Vinyl Technical School in Middletown. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1972-1977. It was with great honor that he was a member of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp. He worked as a yacht painter at Brewers Yacht Yards for 27 years. He was currently employed at the Haddam Transfer Station.
He went to the Haddam Meadows every day, where he would watch the river, count eagles and socialize with the many friends that he made there. He was a fixture there and loved keeping an eye on the river.
Calling hours will be held at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services are on Thursday, August 16th at 10:00a.m. at Biega Funeral Home. Burial will be immediately following at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane in Middletown.
Memories and Condolences
for Gunnar Grenman
Ashley Araujo
December 15, 2018
I miss you every day, Dad. You have left a huge hole in all of our hearts ♥
Burma Shaw
November 21, 2018
I'm sorry for the lateness of this message, but I just read of Gunnar's passing while doing research on The Company of Fifers and Drummers website and couldn't let memories of him go unacknowledged. I first met Gunnar while attending the last Old Guard muster at Fort Myer in 1975. My boyfriend at the time, Brian Moore, had been in the Old Guard with him. Gunnar left an indelible impression on me with his gentlemanliness. We talked about the irony of all the guys who celebrated being "one digit midgets" religiously returning for the musters at Fort Myer, a place where they couldn't wait to leave just a few months ago. Must be they missed their old service buddies, he'd poignantly concluded (he'd certainly missed them!).
I next saw him at a weekend muster, soon after he'd been discharged from the Army. My Old Guard friends had given me the nickname of Earth Mother, as I truly cared for everyone, and Gunnar ended up spending the day and night at our campsite for that very care, as he was in pain with a broken leg. In addition to help with pain management (lots of difficult to find ice and Tylenol), I also had the hours long, difficult job of fending off multiple beautiful girls for him (a first I'm sure).
We continued to meet at musters for years but, as with all friends in life, he and his Old Guard brethren eventually went their own ways. I fondly remember his bigger than life smile that washed all your cares away, his chest compressing hugs that pulled my feet off the ground every time, his always, always kind words and his appreciation for good people. I'm so very sorry for your loss and hope that your wonderful memories of Gunnar will keep him alive in your hearts. He truly was the best of the good old guys.
-Burma Shaw
[email protected]
Bob Atwell
August 19, 2018
Many fond memories of Gunner during our drum corps years together. Always a friend. My deepest sympathy to the Grenman Family.
Jody Atwell-Peterson
August 17, 2018
So sorry to hear of Gunners passing. My family and I spent many years in the Chester and Coginchaug Drum Corps with him. My prayers go out to all the Grenman family. Gunner was a great guy.
Wig & Pat Carlson
August 15, 2018
Carny and Ashley, we are so sorry for your loss, please anything we can do to help we are here . Love and prayers are coming your way. Remember all the good times and all the lafter..
Cheryl, John, Lindsey & Jackie Sears
August 15, 2018
Carolyn, Ashley & Family - You are in our thoughts and prayers. Gunnar was so kind and a wonderful person. May the memories comfort you during this difficult times.
Daniel Labbe
August 15, 2018
Great guy and a great friend. He will be sorely missed by my family and I. My heart goes out to Carny and Ashley. Rest in Peace
Greg wheeler
August 15, 2018
I served with Gunnar as a member of The Old Guard at Ft Meyer, Va.. He was also one of my dad's students at Vinyl Tech. He was always a good friend, and one of the kindest people I ever knew. I am deeply saddened by his untimely passing, as are all who knew him. The response among the Old Guard Alumni has also been one of shock and sadness. I offer my most heartfelt condolences to Gunnar's family during this time of unimaginable grief and sorrow. Gone, but never forgotten...............God speed Gunnar!
David Stiles
August 15, 2018
Thanks to Gunnar for his service and support of Haddam Meadows state park. I am one of the volunteers at the park, and Gunnar was helpful to us. We will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Susan Gascoyne
August 15, 2018
I've known Gunnar since I was a teenager. He was one of the nicest and kindest persons I've ever met. I know he will be missed by his family and friends and I will miss seeing him every week at the transfer station. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Sue (Morin) Gascoyne.
Terry (Walsh) Bronson
August 15, 2018
I'm so sorry of your loss.
mark reiman
August 14, 2018
Wow! I still can't understand this. We had so many good times through the years. He was an allround nice guy and I'm lucky to have known him. RIP Bro
August 14, 2018
May Gunner's heavenly light shine brightly upon his family, loved ones and friends. Rest peacefully Gunner.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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Memorial Events
for Gunnar Grenman
Aug
15
Calling hours
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Biega Funeral Home - Middletown3 Silver Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Aug
16