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Henry "Hank" Clarence Gruemmer Jr.
1937 - 2016
Henry "Hank" Clarence Gruemmer Jr.
1937 - 2016
Obituary
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Henry "Hank" Gruemmer Obituary
Survivors include his wife, Cyndy Hunt Gruemmer, and his four daughters and their families; Lorie and Michael McClenin of Pocatello, Idaho, Stacy Michelle Gruemmer of Pasadena, Texas, Megan H.G. and Brian Bower of Roanoke, Virginia, and Holly and George Knowles of Milford, Connecticut. He has three granddaughters with their families; Bleu and Joseph Montano, Anny and Kaiden Crawford, and Eaby Sara Willard, four great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Joseph, Joshua, and Ashlynn Montano.
He is also survived by his two sisters and their families; Patsy and Jim Mullican of Winnsboro, Louisiana, and Linda Paintin of Muscatine, Iowa, and two brothers with their families; Bruce and Anne Gruemmer of Winston Salem, North Carolina, Joseph and Crystal Gruemmer of Upland, California, as well as many nieces and nephews. Sebastian and Precious were his beloved pets.
Hank went to Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, before being drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to Ft. Bliss in Texas. Upon leaving the Army he went to Texas Western University (now UTEP) where he received his bachelors degree. He then went to Texas Tech University in Lubbock for his graduate work, did his internship in Waco, and residency in Houston. He worked in psychology, had his own private practice, and was associated with Palmer Drug Abuse Program (PDAP) for many years in Houston and later became the Clinical Director in Spring.
Hank felt like the reason he was put on this earth was to be a father. He was a great father to his four daughters and all of the adopted adolescents through the years.
Hank was active in sports as he was a left-handed pitcher in semi-professional baseball and loved the Houston sports teams, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Iowa Hawkeyes, but his first love was his Brooklyn Dodgers. He also learned to love The Fightin' Texas Aggies!
Services will be held Monday January 11th, 1PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. (281) 445-0050
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Stacy Gruemmer
February 4, 2017
I miss you so much Dad. I went to see Mom yesterday. I walked outside and the wind chimes I gave you made a soft sound and I knew it was you saying that you loved me. I hear them almost every time I visit. I love you too Daddy.
Burke Burr
January 19, 2017
If your daddy was anything like you my sweet Lori, he was a wonderful man. You will see him again.
Tracey Jordan
February 27, 2016
There will never be another like you. When God made you, he broke the mold. RIP Hank! Until we meet again ...
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Tracey Jordan
February 27, 2016
I met Hank when I was 14, I am now 49. I met him when I was placed in a treatment center by my parents and Hank was my Therapist. He was so patient & understanding and even as a teenager who did not trust adults at that time; I instantly developed a bond with & trusti in Hank. Shortly after I left the treatment center, my dad passed away. We had family therapy with Hank while in treatment so he knew my dad. Hank was instrumental in helping me deal with my dad's passing with his understanding compassion and uncanny knowledge of knowing what I needed to hear; when I needed to hear it. As I grew up & had my own child & she had her own issues, I brought her to Hank & he worked his magic in her life as well. Hank was always on call. We became lifelong friends and woukd often go to lunch together. i would often ask Hank for advice & he was always happy to be a sounding board. Hank was truly selfless & cared about others deeply. I loved Hank as if he were my own dad. Hank was a great man & he stood in for my dad after he passed. For that & so much more, I will ALWAYS, hold a special place in my heart for Hank Gruemmer, Jr. Hank you will be truly & deeply missed.
Stacy Gruemmer
February 10, 2016
I miss you Dad
Belinda Burkhardt
February 5, 2016
Hank I will always remember your smile and hugs as if it was yesterday,and thank you for caring. I'll also remember you loved karaoke and yes you had a great voice now I know your in the heavens singing a storm with the beautiful big wings you were given and now your considered an angel. Won't say good-bye but see you one day again. Love you Hank
Anny Crawford
February 5, 2016
I am filled with regret that I wasn't closer with Grandpa Hank. Seeing how much he touched everyone's lives gives me some consolation. My Grandpa was a wonderful man. I love you, Grandpa Hank. You are so missed.
Sherry Diggs
February 5, 2016
Condolences to the family..
Ginger Fox Prescott
February 5, 2016
Hank, you were one of the most influential men in my life. Thank you for your spirit, words of wisdom, friendship, and, most of all, unconditional love for more than 30 years! And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family with me!!!
Steve Del Rio
February 5, 2016
Peace Hank hasta luego amigo
Sue Ogle
February 5, 2016
Hank, you were such an amazing friend to us in such a tough time of our lives. Your sense of humor, warmth and honesty were sooooooo what we needed! How you could be that guy to so many people at the same time puts you in the magician category! You were incredibly gifted to be able to effortlessly make adolescents and their parents feel special and cared for all at the same time. God really used you for his kingdom by leading, loving and guiding your flock at pdap. Not many of us have that kind of eternal effect on those around us. But you did. You were really an example of a life well lived and how God can turn beauty from ashes! Rest in peace my friend, and dance like there's no tomorrow! You are missed! "Love you", Sue Ogle
Claire louise Hunt
February 5, 2016
R.I.P even though I stopped playing farming games on line I've never forgotten those friends I made while playing. Friends without boarders taught me so much as did you about life and how to be a better person.
Lauri Davis
February 5, 2016
~Gandhi said - There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in our hearts. - so true, Hank will be in our hearts forever. He made a difference in so many lives. It has been my pleasure & honor to have known him
Chris Mateja
February 4, 2016
I knew Hank personally. I've known him since I was 14 years old. He helped me through addiction. He helped me when I lost my Mother at the age of 16. He helped me through the tough teenage issues as well as the young adult ones too. He was kind, loving, sensitive, and caring. I will always cherish the memories I have of him. There will never be another Hank. Condolences to the family. May God bless you all.
Daniella Paudash
February 4, 2016
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. My deepest sympathy.
Janet Hamlett
February 4, 2016
Rest in peace, kind HoppahDad. Watch over my whole HoppahFamily from above. Though we never met, I feel that I know what a wonderful man you were just by reading all the nice things people have written about you. You will surely be missed <3
Faye Richards
January 21, 2016
I never really knew Hank personally. He was a great game friend on "Farm Town" and would always help me out a lot. He enjoyed his games. I could tell he's such a loving and caring man. Condolences to the family.
Donna Webb
January 21, 2016
I didn't personally know Hank, but in speaking with David Vercher, I've come to share memories of Hank. From all the many, many memories David has shared with me Hank was an absolutely amazing, kind, caring man and was there for many individuals and families in there time of need. So I felt compelled to say Thank you to Hank for not only loving and caring for your family, but loving and caring for all. I want to Thank Hank's family for sharing such an amazing man, there husband and dad with so many. With such an unselfish act of kindness, he changed the lives of many. David speaks very highly of Hank and is greatful that Hank helped him and made such an impact in his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow and need. RIP Hank and once again Thank you for all you did and know that you will live on in the hearts of so many. May God give you all the peace and strength you need as you have laid such a wonder man to rest.
Joseph Gibson
January 20, 2016
Hank reached out to me during one of the most challenging times in my life. Through Holly, one of my best friends, Hank let me know he was there to talk if I needed to. Just knowing the offer was out there meant more than anything to me.
Thank you Hank
January 20, 2016
Hank was just hank. I really only knew him from birth till 1952. Being his elder sister I left home in 1952 married and went to California. So I saw the very young and starting of his teen years. He and I shared happy times on a farm in Bluegrass Iowa. We had fun times and family duties which included milking etc. He loved the horse even if it was a work horse. Our dad would put all 4 of us elder ones on the horse bareback and one by one we would fall of as we went riding in the pasture. No bridle just used the horses mane to sort of steer him. I still saw Hank at times over the years I loved him and writing this brings a big lump to my throat. Patsy Gruemmer Mullican
Kim Raycraft
January 20, 2016
A heart for his family, his Lord and countless people he inspired all over the world who never met him but felt they knew him. His love for people was obvious. So proud to have prayed and shared many special moments in his life.
January 20, 2016
When a person dies their life is usually describe with the date of their birth - the date of their departure from us. The dash in between is the things and time we do in life. Some people just exist and care only about themselves and the dash is a blank. Hank took his dash and connected it to so many people that it became a string on which a song of life was played. Hank I will miss you and thank you for being my friend.
Kenneth Guidry
January 20, 2016
Hank was one of the best, most caring and decent people I've known. He was a tremendous help to my family during a very difficult time. The loss of Hank to his community can't be overstated. He was an absolute gem.
Bob Higgins
January 20, 2016
It was so nice to meet Hank at Holly's wedding. He did an amazing job singing to her. My condolences to the family on their loss.
Tim Smith
January 20, 2016
Second only to my parents, Hank was the most influential person in my life. I met Hank in 1981 when I was a teen with more than my fair share of teen angst. We got to know each other an hour at a time every week for some months.
In the 35 years since he and I met I've done a lot of things that would seem pretty normal and not too noteworthy to most folks -- went to college, got married, enjoyed some career success and experienced a largely happy, fulfilling life. Hank was part of that. His work with me during those tumultuous teen years was truly life changing. Hank was a loving, wise, insightful, compassionate and gifted man. And he was a blessing to me.
Hank and I reconnected again about 15 years ago this time as friends. We would meet occasionally for lunch and chat on Facebook from time to time. I last saw him in October 2013 at my father's funeral. His presence there gave me more comfort than I can express.
I know his influence on me was not unusual. I loved Hank very much and wanted to give just one example of the influence he had on those around him.
Mary Baker
January 20, 2016
Hank you always went above and beyond to let everyone know they were perfect just the way they are. Thank you for showing me that love is a full time job that keeps on giving. You will be dearly missed
Vera McCollum
January 20, 2016
Hank saved us many times over. Two of my children hated him and he turned that into undying love. He will never be forgotten by any of us. He was one in a million. RIP Hank. Love you
Ruth Lutz
January 19, 2016
Love to you & your family, Lorie & Eaby.
Bruce Gruemmer
January 12, 2016
I will miss Hank more than most because he was my big brother and because he was such a good friend all my life. We were best buddies growing up and he was someone I always looked up to. I know that I will think of Hank every day the rest of my life. Love you, Hank
Donald Murphy
January 12, 2016
I was one of Hanks "Kids" in the 80's. He helped me more then he probably knew because I took the lessons I learned from him with me into my life far past the time we had together. On behalf Myself (Donald), James, Kenny, Ginger and some more I probably don't remember. Thanks Hank.
Suzie Felcyn
January 11, 2016
Love you always Hank
Eddie Clark
January 11, 2016
I will miss Hank. I have very happy memories to hold on to. Prayers to everyone. Hank sings in heaven now.
January 11, 2016
I'm sorry for the loss of your loved one. I hope the promise found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 offers hope and comfort.
Holly Gruemmer/Knowles
January 11, 2016
"I love you most"
Valerie Smith
January 11, 2016
My thoughts are with your family and friends as they go through this difficult time.
Michellle Knowles
January 11, 2016
So very sad to hear of Hamk passing , we didn't know Hank very well or for a very long time but one thing we did know ,and which was impossible to miss was his amazing , dignathy , strength and courage ..heartfelt sympathies to Cyndy and family
Shelli Alvey
January 11, 2016
My uncle was and is such a great man. He made us all smile . He was a good example to all those he came in contact with . He will truly be missed. Until me again. I love you Uncle Hank
Carol Heger
January 10, 2016
We are all sad to hear of his passing. Hank was many things to many people and I don't believe he realized how many people and lives he had touched. He was a man of true feeling for his fellow man. He was my life saver able to make me realized how crazy I was making my world. I was able to make it through my mad world and look back to say , I could not have done it without my Hank. Save us a place up there in Heaven give Cal a hug from us.
Denise G. Johnson
January 10, 2016
So sorry for your loss. my prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family Megan. Denise G Johnson (SF)
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Stacy Gruemmer
January 10, 2016
The greatest man I will ever know is gone. Thank you Dad for loving me. I will miss you so much. I know you tried your hardest to stay for us and I'm so very grateful. You did your very best. You are my hero, Daddy. 143
DW
January 10, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)
Ludy Goodson
January 9, 2016
My thoughts, prayers, and love go with you for Hank the husband, father, counselor, and friend. May you be blessed and sheltered by his love and may he rest in heavenly peace.
January 9, 2016
Hank was always very kind to our family. We loved to hear him sing with that beautiful voice. I know that he is singing with the angels while we are celebrating his life. He will be missed by many. One of my favorite books, The Dash" tells us to make sure that the dash between the year we are born and the year we die is full of wonderful accomplishments. Hank's "Dash" is full of good deeds, good friends, and a blessed family from 1937-2016. We love you and will miss you very much!
Joan Lockman Wilson and family
Lisa MacLeod
January 9, 2016
My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. I know you have such wonderful memories of him. Best to all of you! So nice to see you all a few months ago!!!!!!!
Kathy Tomasino
January 9, 2016
Thank you for your Service Sir...RIP & God Bless
jay fleming
January 8, 2016
Hank was a good man. He was loved and admired by a bunch of people. I will miss him.
Jay Fleming
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