Herbert William Greunke

Herbert William Greunke, 92, of Graytown, Ohio, died Friday, September 25, 2009 in the Otterbein Portage Valley Retirement Village, Pemberville, Ohio. Herb, the 8th child of parents, Frederick and Emma Dehn was born on January 15, 1917 on Pinewood Ave. in Toledo. In March 1920, the family moved to Trowbridge and lived in a log cabin on the Dehn Farm. After graduating from Elmore High School in 1935, he received his Bachelor Degree in Music Ed. From Bowling Green University in 1939, and for 30 years he taught in public schools in Delphos, Hamler, and Genoa. In 1949 he received his masters degree from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. In 1941 he was drafted into World War II service and served in the Air Force. Herbert kept very close ties to his family, and they had a profound influence on his life. Surviving are his sisters, Marie Haberkamp and Irene Hansen, Holland, Ohio, and Lorna Stayton, Eldorado, Ohio. Preceding him in death were his parents and sisters, Lillian Bearss and Ruth Ann Greunke, brothers, Fred, Harold, Arthur, and Bernard. Also surviving are 20 nieces and nephews, plus numerous great nieces and nephews, who live all over the United States. Special nieces and nephews include Larry and Karen Schanke and Meryl and Marilyn Greunke, who took care of his needs the last few years. Visitation for family and friends will be on Monday, September 28, 2009 from 2-8 pm in the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. A celebration of Herbs life will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 17877 W. St. Rt. 579, Martin, Ohio Blackberry Corners at 11 am on Tuesday, September 29, with visitation one hour before the service. Pastor Monty Kaufman will be officiating. Burial will follow in Elliston Cemetery. Memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Otterbein Portage Valley for their loving care and compassion during his stay there. This very special musician is now playing music and directing the angel choir in heaven!