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  • Visitation

    Thursday, November 17, 2011,
    from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
    and Friday, November 18, 2011
    from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

  • Service

    Mass of Christian Burial
    Friday, November 18, 2011
    10:00 a.m.
    St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Donald R. Gruenenfelder, 80, of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, IL.

    He was born July 31, 1931, to Clarence and Lettie (nee Haley) Gruenenfelder in Highland, IL. On September 16, 1950 he married Lois Jean Orchell in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Trenton, IL.

    Don was a Machinist, retiring from McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, MO in 1993 after 35 years.

    Don was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids. He loved to play games, especially card games. He liked to go fishing and camping and travel when he could. He liked to bowl and shoot pool. HE was a scout leader for Troop 43 for Cub Scouts and rose through the organization to the level of Chairman. He was a member of International Association of Machinists, Local 837, serving as a shop steward for his union brothers.

    Don is survived by 6 children, Rick (Donna) Gruenenfelder, Highland, IL, Lynn (Joseph) Haegle, New Douglas, IL, Laurie (Jim) Ashford, Highland, IL, Tim (Chris) Gruenenfelder, Highland, IL, Leann (Kelly) McCaslin, Highland, IL, Jon (Kerri) Gruenenfelder, Highland, IL, and his loving dog Bear; 22 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 4 brothers and sisters, Clifford (Evelyn) Gruenenfelder, Mary Ansley, Duane (Mary Ellen) Gruenenfelder, Bob (Shirley) Gruenenfelder.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lettie Gruenenfelder; his wife Lois Gruenenfelder; 1 son, Mike Gruenenfelder; 1 daughter, Lisa Burgess; 1 grandson, Bobby Haegle; 1 granddaughter, Kara Gruenenfelder; 1 brother, Russell Gruenenfelder; 1 sister, Stella Braun.

    Memorials may be made to Cub Scouts or Highland High School Fishing Club.

    Visitation: Thursday, November 17, 2011, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday, November 18, 2011 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, November 18, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

    Clergy: Rev. Paul Kala, Parochial Vicar

    Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL