Jerry Lee Gronholz

Jerry Lee Gronholz, 84, stepped into life in heaven on October 4, 2024, just 9 days short of 85 years. Jerry was born in New Ulm, Minnesota to the late Arthur and Adelgunde (Wacker) Gronholz on October 13, 1939.

He became a child of God through baptism at St. John’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. He was instructed in the truths of Holy Scripture and confirmed in the faith at that same church. Jerry excelled at grade school, high school, and college athletics lettering in multiple sports. Baseball and basketball were of special interest. He met the love of his life, Miriam Manthey, while in high school. They were married on August 19, 1961 at First German Lutheran Church in Manitowoc, WI. They had four children: Dawn, Shelley, Amy and Katy.

Jerry graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He completed many other courses, focusing on physical education. His years in the teaching ministry took him around in the state of Wisconsin beginning in Milwaukee, then Two Rivers, Lacrosse and finishing in Appleton at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. There he taught Religion and English and coached JV basketball. Jerry started and developed the golf program for both boys and girls. His love of golf led him to start his own business, Kamleyawn Meadows, a golf practice range and miniature golf course, including golf equipment sales. After 40 years, he retired from the teaching ministry and continued to run his golf business. Jerry and Miriam recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.

While at Fox Valley Lutheran High School, Jerry and Miriam and the family belonged to Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Their children attended Mount Olive Lutheran School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School. In the last years, Jerry began a Male Chorus, edifying the congregation and giving him much joy.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Judy Gronholz and brother Gene Gronholz as well as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Jerry’s family was the center of his life, focusing on his children and grandchildren. Every chance he had, he gave generously of his time and resources and the shepherding of their souls.

Jerry is survived by his wife Miriam; four daughters Dawn (Jerry) Marowsky, Shelley (Jon) Strnad, Amy (Courtney) Meyer and Katy (Frank) Jones; twelve grandchildren Zachary (Abbey) Rice, Elisabeth (Thomas) Kroon, Eric, Lauren and Nathanial Marowksy, Cassandra (Jeremiah) Rardin, Mikayla (Michael) Grimesey, Emma Meyer, Lydia Meyer, Maxwell, Sophie and Jack Jones; four step-grandchildren Jessica, Emelia, Michaela and Joshua Strnad; six great-grandchildren Arwen Rice, Evelyn and Rory Rardin, Hazel and Eleanor Grimesey and Isaiah Mueller; two step great-grandchildren Dixie Strnad and Roger Strnad; two brothers Professor John (Memory) Gronholz and James (Linda) Gronholz and sister-in law Carol Gronholz and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

The Christian Funeral Service for Jerry will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 930 E. Florida Avenue in Appleton. A time of visitation will take place beginning at 9:00 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jerry's memory to Fox Valley Lutheran High School or Martin Luther College.

On the great day of Jesus return, Jerry’s soul will be reunited with a glorified body, by Christ’s power to join the Church Triumphant in offering the Redeemer perfect praise eternally.

So says the Lord “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26.