William G. Grenz

Willie was the son of Gottlieb and Christine (Wentz).  He was raised in Artas the first seven years of his life.  In 1925 the family moved to Napoleon, ND, where he attended grade school and graduated from high school.  as a young man he worked for his dad at the IGA grocery store and later worked for his brother Eugene at Lehr, ND.  Willie married Lorene Scott on May 2, 1943, at Wishek, ND.  They moved to Artas where they owned and operated a U-Save Valu.  They sold their store to their son, Terry, and retired for a time before opening the Variety and Clothing Store in McClusky in 1982.  Several years later, due to health reasons, they decided to take a full retirement and spend the winter months in Arizona and enjoy their family and friends.

The last few years his Parkinson's disease worsened and he spent his days reading, watching sports and visiting with his dedicated friends who came over often.  Will was active in the McClusky community activities while in business there.  He was a long time member of the McClusky Lions Club, a member of the United Methodist Church, and served on the board there for many years.

Willie was a quiet man until it came time to talk about fishing or about the basketball games and tournaments which he attend every year.  There always seemed to be enough room in Doc Schindler's or Jon Sparrow's car for a ride to the games.  Willie's pride and joy was his family.  The family gatherings means so much to him.  He loved his family and would do anything for them.

Willie is survived by his wife, Loren; two sons and daughter-in-law, Terry and Diane, McClusky; Toby, Kalamazoo, MI; daughter and son-in-saw; Debra and Tim Wieber, Andover, MN; 4 grandchildren, Aaron, Amy, Jennifer and Brian.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Timothy; brother, Eugene, Albert, John; sisters, Christine Hoen, Elsie Mayer and Ida Kiez.

Services held Thursday, August 10, 2000, 11:00A.M., United Methodist Church, McClusky.  Casket bearers: Tim Wieber, Harley Grenz, Jim Strand, Jason Rauel, Walter Lipp, Terry Sparrow.  Honorary Casket bearers:  Melvin Schindler, Lloyd Bauer, Edwin Herr, Carl Peterson.  Internment: McClusky City Cemetery.

Notes:  Cause of Death; Parkinson's Disease, heart failure