David GROENIG Obituary

GROENIG, David Cress, MD. October 11, 1924 - October 9, 2020 David Cress Groenig MD peacefully passed away on October 9th, two days before his 96th birthday. Dave grew up in southern Minnesota where his father was a Methodist pastor. He received a degree in mathematics from the University of Minnesota before graduating from Medical School in 1949. Soon after, he married his beloved Jennie and took a one year internship at Denver's St. Luke's Hospital. 1950-1952 was spent in Fairbanks, Alaska as a Captain with the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. 1952-1955 was spent in Louisville, Kentucky for an obstetrical- gynecological residency at Louisville General Hospital. 1955-1957 he practiced as an Ob-Gyn in Caldwell and Nampa, Idaho. In 1957 they moved to Spokane and he began his Ob-Gyn practice which he continued until retiring in 1980. Following retirement, David formed the Thosath-Groenig company with his best friend, and for the next 20 years they built and managed apartment and medical office buildings throughout Spokane. Dr. Groenig was a lifelong chess player who won multiple championship tournaments in Louisville and Spokane. He was still winning chess games well into his 90s. He played clarinet in the U of M Marching Band, the Doctor's Band, and the Doctor's Dixieland Band. He served as President of the Deaconess Hospital Medical Staff and was the first doctor to serve on the hospital board. For many years he volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels and was an active member of Manito United Methodist Church. He sang with the Spokane Choral Society and tenor soloed with the Spokane Symphony and Walla Walla Symphony. Other hobbies were bridge, camping, fishing, golf and tennis. His wit and wisdom will be fondly remembered by his wife of 71 years, his five children, four grandsons and three great-grandchildren.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Oct. 18, 2020.
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Memories and Condolences
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He was such a kind, dear man. It was an honor to know him as a friend and my doctor.

Teresa Vanderholm

October 12, 2023

It was a pleasure and honor to know Dave Groenig. He had a keen sense of humor and seemed to enjoy life. I was his pastor at Manito United Methodist Church from 1995-2000.

John J. Shaffer

August 21, 2022

I was also one of his last patients. He delivered my first baby . My husband was also delivered by him and that is why I went to him because my mother-in-law adored him. He was such a kind, compassionate, and great doctor and man. Thanks to his family for always sharing him with all of us fortunate patients.

Teresa

Acquaintance

October 21, 2020

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.

Washington State

October 20, 2020

96 years wasn’t enough. I wish every person could have had the opportunity to meet Dr Groenig. I wish there were recordings of his Christmas Eve solos of O Holy Night. That was a memory I will always hold dear. I loved my Godfather and consider myself honored to have known him

Wendy

October 18, 2020

A wonderful singer and a delightful person. I still think of him every time I hear Nessun Dorma. May he rest in peace.

Susan (Totusek) Helbig

Friend

October 18, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jenelle

Friend

October 18, 2020

I was one of his last patients. I loved him. He made you relaxed and comfortable before surgery and after. He cared about his patients. They don't make them like that anymore. Rest in Peace.

October 18, 2020

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