Howard H. Grauerholz

Howard Horace Grauerholz, 91, died peacefully on Sunday, August 27, 2023, with his wife, Barbara by his side. He was born on August 30, 1931, to Reed and Mildred Ellen (Peterson) Grauerholz on a farmstead one mile west of Kensington. He was the oldest of four children. In the fall of 1937, he started school in the Grauerholz School District #53. He graduated from Kensington High School in 1949. After graduation he worked on the family farm, in the Hannon Hatchery, and whatever other jobs he could find.
On January 31, 1952, he answered the call to his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. After bootcamp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, he was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Santa Ana, California. There he was assigned to Headquarter Squadron Aircraft Marine Force Pacific Fleet G-3. On January 30, 1954, he was released from active duty at the rank of Sergeant. He returned home to the farm to raise hogs and cattle as well as work in the hatchery. He also drove a school bus for Kensington Schools.
Howard met the love of his life on November 11, 1956, at the Veteran's Day Dance and they have danced ever since. Howard and Barbara were married on January 31, 1958. To this union three children were born: Jeff, Bruce, and Amy. He was a life member of Post 166 American Legion, Mt. Suribachi Dept.105 Marine Corps League. He was Commander of the Legion Post for four years, held Commander of Legion, Adjutant Paymaster, Sgt. of Arms, and Vice Commander of the Dept. of Kansas.
Howard lived a full life as a member of the First St. John Lutheran Church. He worked at KN Energy for 30 years; four years as Gas Control and twenty-six years in the Gas Measurement Dept. as Chief Clerk and Senior Chart Analyst.
He worked many hours with the Smith County Veteran's Memorial in Smith Center. As Commander, one Veteran's Day Celebration, he organized seven trumpets to play taps down Main Street. He also has helped fold flags for military funeral services fifty times. Howard was very proud of these accomplishments and was a proud Veteran.
Howard enjoyed attending church, hunting, having family around and carpentry. His talents of carpentry and painting were enjoyed for several years after retirement. Some fond memories his family will share are Howard and Barbara leading the grand march in over 50 wedding dances and watching him win the card game Hell, every time.
Howard leaves behind his wife of 65 ½ years, Barbara, of Kensington. One son, Bruce of Hildreth, and one daughter, Amy (Bob) of Kensington. He is also survived by four granddaughters, two grandsons, and twelve great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jeff, and great-granddaughter Ainsley Marie Bienhoff. His family will miss his dry sense of humor and witty one-liners.