Harley Kurt Grenz

Harley Kurt Grenz, 81, of Napoleon, ND, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at his home in Sun City West, AZ.
Born on May 2, 1943, in Bismarck, ND, Harley was the son of John "Custer" Grenz and Irene (Wittmier) Grenz. He grew up on the family farm with his two brothers, Gene and Steve, and sister, Karen, 15 miles east of Napoleon, in a prairie area known as "The Flat." The family later moved to Napoleon, where his parents operated a restaurant called "Irene's Cafe."
Harley graduated from high school in Napoleon in 1961 and served two years in the Army. After his service, he spent a winter working in construction in Seattle before attending Wahpeton State School of Science. He returned to Napoleon to begin farming alongside his father.
On September 28, 1968, Harley married Gloria Brousseau at the Napoleon Trinity Lutheran Church. They farmed three miles east of Napoleon until 1975 when they built their home in town. In addition to farming, Harley and Gloria operated the Napoleon Whirlpool and Appliance store for many years, becoming well-known for their hard work and service. Together they raised four children: Michael, Candice, Cindy, and Kelly.
As empty nesters, Harley and Gloria enjoyed traveling Europe and the Middle East. They spent their winters soaking up the sun in Sun City West, AZ and summers enjoying Napoleon and the beauty of Lake Isabel.
Harley was blessed to have shared his life with Gloria for 56 years. He was survived by his wife, Gloria; children, Michael (Traci) Grenz, Centennial, CO; Candice (Skip) Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; Cindy Steiner, West Fargo; Kelly (Kevin) Lindgren, West Fargo; 8 grandchildren: Christopher (Hailey) Grenz, Christylynne Grenz, Cody Grenz, DelRae Steiner, Kelsa Steiner, Zach Nelson, Alexis Lindgren, and Samantha Lindgren; Malai Grenz, sister-in-law, and Jim Strand, brother-in-law.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents, John "Custer" and Irene (Wittmier) Grenz; his brothers, Gene Grenz, Steve Grenz, and his sister, Karen Strand; his in-laws, Melva and Ernie Norling, Raymond and Lilith Brousseau; and grandparents, Gust and Lydia Wittmier, and Gottleib G. and Christine (Wentz) Grenz.
Harley will be deeply missed for his passion for farming, his captivating storytelling, his deep love of history, and his ability to bring people together. He especially cherished having his family together each year to celebrate the 4th of July. A celebration of life to honor Harley will be held this coming summer in North Dakota.