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Walter J. Gruenes

1930 - 2021

BORN

1930

DIED

2021

Walter Gruenes Obituary

Walter Josef Gruenes, age 91, passed away on November 20, 2021 in Skokie, Illinois. He was born on April 21, 1930 in Aachen, Germany to Johanna and Walter Gruenes.

Walter actually spent the first three years of his life in Florida, until his family moved back to Germany in 1933. He was raised in Munich, Germany and lived there until 1956, when he moved to the Chicago area permanently.

In 1957 he met the love of his life, Elfriede, and they were married for over 56 years. They settled in Skokie, Illinois in 1960, to raise their family. Walter joined the Lincolnwood Police in 1963 and retired from the force 31 years later. Walter was presented with the "Key to Lincolnwood" at his retirement celebration.

Walter and Elfriede enjoyed raising their 2 boys, tending to their vegetable garden, playing tennis, traveling, taking long walks along the Evanston shores of Lake Michigan, and visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden.

He loved this country and proudly displayed the American Flag on his car and balcony and regularly wore a hat displaying the American Flag.

Walter is survived by his sons Wally (Loretta), Gordon (Mary) and grandchildren Erik (Katie), Kristina (Bradley), Peter and Matthew and sister Inge. He was predeceased by his wife Elfriede, and brother Dieter.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by PL-Central on Dec. 16, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Thomas George Passarelli II (Tom)

October 28, 2024

He is still alive in the hearts of all he touched.

Emily

July 5, 2022

Rest In Peace, Walter!
Your are kind, you are humorous, your restless energy always makes me doubt that I might be the older one. Lol Thank you also for your kindness to my parents. You will be dearly missed Sir!

Dustin Walker-Jewel-Osco on Touhy

December 25, 2021

Walter will be missed it was always a pleasure seeing him walking around the store. We use to always talk and joke around. He always told me his life stories and was so proud to be a police officer and war veteran. He would always buy the clearance items and give them out to people. Walter you will be missed around the Jewel osco RIP
Dustin Walker, Manager
Jewel-Osco 5667W touhy Niles,IL

John W

December 24, 2021

RIP, Sir. I´ll miss you around the building.

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