Paul Milnore Gruzensky

Paul Gruzensky passed away August 4, 2025, in Walla Walla, WA. Paul was born November 2, 1925, in Grassy Butte, ND to Nikita (Mike) Gruzensky and Alexandria Sahaydak Gruzensky who homesteaded there. The family moved to Oregon when Paul was 12 where they raised strawberries. Paul went to school at Walla Walla University, majoring in chemistry. While there, he met Dolores Jean Parmele. They married on June 20, 1948, in Portland, Oregon. After working for several years at the Bureau of Mines, Paul earned a PhD in inorganic chemistry from Oregon State University. He then worked as Research Chemist in Boulder, Colorado. He also translated scientific journal articles from Russian into English. Paul enjoyed organizing camping and hiking trips for his family. He has climbed multiple 14,000-foot peaks with his kids. Once, before a planned winter campout, Paul hiked more than 10 miles round-trip, pulling a sled with a bale of hay which would make a snow cave more comfortable. His thoughtfulness probably saved lives during the blizzard conditions that came up that weekend.
Paul's farming upbringing never left him. Kids and grandkids all got to ride the tractor with him as he plowed the garden or cut hay. Several learned to drive while picking up bales of hay. The fort he made while stacking hay bales created a very special memory.
After he quit working full time as a chemist, Paul became a special transit bus driver and did chemistry consulting. In 1999 Paul and Dolores started a new phase of life when they moved to Walla Walla, Washington. Paul continued his life of service with volunteer work. He delivered meals on wheels, tutored Russian speakers in English, and taught senior driving courses. He liked to keep busy and be useful in any way. He often helped his children with home projects.
Paul is survived by his wife, Dolores Gruzensky, his daughters Aletha Gruzensky and Carol Cook, and his sons, William Gruzensky and Michael Gruzensky. His grandchildren: Heidi, Michaela, Beth, Angela, Andrea, Debbie, and Jenny. His great grandchildren: Jesse, Alana, Audrey, Michael, Oliver, Lucy, Lincoln, Jaxon, Cooper, Kimber, Brielle, and Cayden. His nieces and nephews: Luanne, Bruce, Ken, Raelene, Willis, JoAline, Janine, Jim, David, Ron, Louise, Barbara, Scott Parmele, Ralph, Beverly, Jerry, and JoAnne.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; Ann Gruzensky Bauer, William Gruzensky, John Gruzensky, Alvina Gruzensky Roberts, along with his nephews Scott Reid and Terry and his nieces Mary Jean, Sally, Karen, and Donna. A celebration of life will be held for Paul on August 23, 2025, at 4:00pm at The College Place Seventh-day Adventist Church. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Paul, please visit our Tree Store.