John Henry Grnya

John Henry Grnya, age 80, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, with his loving family by his side. 

John was born in Owosso, Michigan, on June 1, 1944, to the late Michael and Antoinette (Indlekofer) Grnya. He graduated from Hemlock High School, class of 1963. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. John worked for Saginaw Steering Gear in many capacities. John was united in marriage with Delores Sue (Payne) Grnya on November 18, 1967. He retired from General Motors in 2000, after thirty-two years of dedicated service. In addition to his work at General Motors, he was a licensed builder and enjoyed working with wood of all kinds. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Saginaw Township Fire Department. John was a long time and devoted member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church for forty-seven years. He held many positions at the church, including Trustee and Elder. Among his hobbies, John enjoyed reading and watching movies. He was especially fond of John Wayne Westerns. More than anything else, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and go on road trips with Sue up north. 

John is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Delores Sue Grnya; two daughters, Jennifer Howe and her husband Dennis, and Rebecca Ryther; four grandchildren who he cared for and thought of as his own, Andrew Grnya and his girlfriend Micaela Dezelah, Brendan Ryther, Colin Ryther, and Abiageal Ryther; two brothers and one sister, Norman Grnya, Joyce Grnya, and Harold Grnya and his wife Ginny; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Freel and Sharon Osborne; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and a special friend and caregiver, Teressa Quigley, whom he loved like a daughter.

John was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Antoinette Grnya; brother, Richard Grnya, and sister, Joan Jozwiak; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer and Claudine Payne; and sister-in-law, Barbara Howard.

Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 3424 Crestmont Dr, Saginaw, MI 48603, where the funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, officiated by Pastor Michael Wilke. A private interment will take place later in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.