Grender, Rev. Albert O.

Rev. Albert O. Grender, age 88, of 961 North Walden Way, Town of Rome, Adams County, WI died Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at his residence in the care of hospice and family.

There will be two services. The first service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, February 24, 2014 at Woodland Lutheran Church, Town of Rome, Adams County, WI. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 10:00-11:00 AM. Rev. Stan Kwiecien will officiate.

The second service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at Perry Lutheran Church in Daleyville, WI. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Perry Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Albert was born June 11, 1925 at home on a farm (Sunderland) one mile south of Daleyville, WI (Perry Township, Dane County). Parents were Helmer Perry Grinder and Olga Oimoen. He graduated from Mount Horeb High School in 1943 as valedictorian. He then graduated from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN in May 1950 (cum laude, bachelor of arts). Albert then graduated from Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN in May 1953 (bachelor of theology).

Albert was inducted into the U.S. Army on August 25, 1944, where he served with the Signal Corps during the invasion of Okinawa and occupation of Korea and was discharged on October 24, 1946 with the rank of T/3 Staff Sergeant. Albert was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with One Bronze Battle Star, the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan.

Albert married Carol Handahl on June 8, 1952 at Bethel Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN. She preceded him in death on September 19, 2013. Albert was ordained into the Lutheran ministry on June 7, 1953 and he served at Watford City, ND (First and Spring Creek, 1953-1960); West Allis (Mt. Hope, 1960-1973); and Fair Water, WI (Zion, 1973-1990.). He retired on June 30, 1990. He baptized, confirmed, married, buried and counseled many people in his years as pastor.

Albert served on several boards, including Lutherdale Bible Camp, Elkhorn, WI; Imago Dei Bible Camp, Clintonville, WI, Fond du Lac Lutheran Home (Treasurer); Elvedal Lodge (Sons of Norway), Wis Rapids, WI and Romerikslaget of America. Albert self-published over ten books of family history and has traveled twice to Norway with Carol. He had a passion for reading and had a collection of over 700 books. Albert played piano "by ear" and sang in choirs. He enjoyed his home in the woods at "Camelot" near Rome, WI as well as their snowbird home in Fairhope, AL.

Albert is survived by five children, Ruth (Mark) Senn of Pueblo West, CO, Jane Grender of Eagan, MN, Anne Grender of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, David (Tammy) Grender of West Salem, WI and Gary (Colleen) Grender of Wausau, WI; two sisters, Arlene Stark of Marshall, WI and Ethel Skalet of Mt. Horeb, WI; one brother, Ernest Grinder of Daleyville, WI; 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Y. Grender, his parents, Helmer and Olga Grinder and his brother, Ralph Grinder.

"Albert's family would like to thank Ministry Home Care Hospice for taking good care of our Father."

Memorials may be given for Woodland Lutheran Church and can be sent to 961 N. Walden Drive, Nekoosa, WI 54457, as well as cards.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune on Feb. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Grender

10 Entries

Arthur Ness

May 24, 2014

I saw that Albert had passed away when I was at Perry to plant for Memorial Day. I very much enjoyed working on family history with him and with his Uncle Abner over the last forty years. I particularly treasure his imitation of our common great-aunt, Augusta, as she recounted a supposed break-in to her twin sister, my grandmother. My sympathy to his family.

Kathryn Schieler

February 27, 2014

Sympathy and prayers to the family of Pastor Grender. I have good memories of the Luther League activities and the music groups at Mt. Hope. Kathryn (Welch) Schieler Ripon, WI

Jeff Zriny

February 24, 2014

I had the privilege to accompany Albert to Washington DC on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. I had dinner with Carol and Albert the night before the flight as well. I'll never forget their reunion when we returned from DC that evening. Their kiss and embrace was so touching. My condolences to the family.

Karen Foley

February 21, 2014

Sincerest condolences to the Grender family on the passing of their father. It is so difficult to feel the loss of loved ones, but always know that they are with you in love. Much love to Gary and his family and know that Pastor Grender is home with his Lord.

Robert Burmeister

February 20, 2014

Pastor Grender had a profound influence on my life in a very gentle way. Part of my confirmation and ordination after following his example of St Olaf and Luther Seminary. (We only had four kids! ). My fondest memory is the Luther League trip to The farm in Mt Horeb and coming home smelling like hay for a week! A true pastor ala Eph 4 he will truly be missed but his memory will be vivid in my heart and life

Lauri olson

February 20, 2014

I didn't know him well, but he was always so warm and welcoming each time I saw him. We are so sorry for your loss, know that your in our thoughts and prayers.

Toni and Fred Fassbender

February 20, 2014

We always enjoyed visiting with Carol and Al when they came south for the winter. We have missed having them here with us. We know that they will both be watching us from heaven. I know the sorrow that you share losing both parents so closely. We will keep you in our prayers.

Jane Grender

February 20, 2014

I miss you already Dad. This last week I spent with you before you died was the most special to me though. Lots of love was expressed by both of us. I'm glad you are now with Mom. Be happy organizing all those family reunions in heaven!

Paul and Judy Gridler

February 20, 2014

We miss both Carol and now Pastor Al in our church here in Daphne, AL. We always enjoyed seeing them when they came down for the winter. Our deepest sympathies to the family.

George and Sandy Grimm

February 20, 2014

Our deepest sympathies to Ruth and family. So sorry for your loss.

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