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Fern Greunke Obituary
Fern Louise Greunke, 99, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2017. She was born December 2, 1917, in Detroit, Michigan, to Carl and Regena White. In 1936 she married Harold "Tony" Greunke, who preceded her in death in 1999. Harold and Fern built their home in Graytown, Ohio, and were members of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in 1998. Holiday gatherings at their home are fondly remembered by family and friends.
After her children were born, Fern pursued a degree in Elementary Education at B.G.S.U. and retired from teaching for 27 years at Jerusalem Elementary, Oregon, Ohio. She enjoyed reflecting on her career as a fourth grade teacher and memories of her students. Some students have remained in contact with her through the years. In 2007 when asked what part of herself she realized in her children and grandchildren, Fern replied, "With zeal to help others, they are high achievers with outgoing personalities." A physical therapist described Fern at 98 years old, "She's not only a survivor. She's an achiever." The family wishes to thank everyone who cared for Fern during the last few years; your kindness has been greatly appreciated.
Fern is survived by her son, Meryl (Marilyn) Greunke; daughters, Faye (Larry) Covert, Ara Lou (John) Panutsos; sister-in-law, Lorna (Greunke) Stayton; daughter-in-law, Robin Greunke; grandchildren, Daniel (Regina) Greunke, Jason (Nayara) Panutsos, Jana (Kyle) Kleman, Lindsay Panutsos; great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her companion for many recent years, Robert Pitkin. Fern was preceded in death by her grandsons, Lee Greunke and Richard Greunke, and great granddaughter, Jacqueline Greunke.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service to celebrate Fern's life will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the funeral home. The graveside service will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the St Marks Lutheran Church, 1700 N Walker St, Graytown, OH 43432. Online condolences may be shared with the family at
www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fern Greunke
Sponsored by Robinson-Walker Funeral Home – Genoa.
Faye Covert
May 28, 2017
Though the voice is quiet...
The spirit echoes still.
We recall the memories of Mom
that are ours to treasure always.
Meryl, Faye, and AraLou ❤
Darlene (Szuch) Riddle
April 26, 2017
Jerusalem Elementary was very blessed to have her on their staff and all of us who had her as a teacher were more than blessed. She was always my favorite and I am sure many others feel the same. She was a beautiful kind and caring person.
Mary Lykowski Stanton
April 26, 2017
My condolences to the family of this lovely lady. I have read a couple of these obits and it's very true, she was a good educator, fair in every sense of the word. Thank you Mrs Gruenke for your dedication to us all. I was in her class in 65/66, I do believe.
James Covert
April 25, 2017
I can add a few personal stories concerning Fern. Always interesting conversing with her. God's blessings to Faye, Ara Lou, and Meryl.
April 25, 2017
Our sympathy to the family. Fern lived a full active life. Jeff Zink and Lisa Casarella
Mary Sue Buehler
April 24, 2017
I loved her as a student and she gave me the confidence to succeed. I am now an Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner and the mother of 2 doctors, a nurse and a Nurse Practitioner. She taught me the importance of education and to reach for the stars. I will never forget the day she came to my house to meet my baby sister ❤She truly loved her students.
Angela Hallowell Wood
April 24, 2017
On the first day of fourth grade, forty years ago, Mrs Greunke wrote "Greunke" and "Jerusalem" on the blackboard and said that it was important to learn how to spell our school and our teacher's name correctly. I've never forgotten how to spell either word--and that was just one of many lessons Mrs Greunke taught us. :) I became a teacher myself, no doubt influenced by such a strong role model. Condolences to the family: please know that hundreds of students loved and respected Mrs Greunke!
Some of your kids albeit 20 years ago at our 40th reunion.
Clay High Class of 1968
April 24, 2017
To Mrs. Greunke's Family,
Thank you so much for sharing your Mom with all the children who passed through the doors of Jerusalem School. She was dedicated and loving, and we are grateful. Rest in peace, Mrs. Greunke.
Dick Sievert
April 24, 2017
Condolences to the family and friends of Fern. It has been many years since I have had contact with Fern and Tony. What a great couple. I remember spending time with Ara Lou , Faye, and Meryl at her home. Graytown is a small town and everyone knows every one. God bless all that are grieving.
Dick and Vicki Sievert
Oak Harbor, Ohio
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