Gerald H. Grinzinger

After a life dedicated in service to others and, consequently, rewarded by love from many, Gerald H. Grinzinger went to join his Lord on October 12, 2014. Gerald was born in Cadillac to Henry and Monica (Reamer) Grinzinger on January 7, 1927. He joined his sister Agnes and, in short-order, welcomed siblings Charles, Teresa and Robert. He graduated from Beal City High School, playing every sport offered to a high schooler of his generation. After twice being turned away because of his asthma, Jerry was forever proud of his enlistment in the U.S. Army in 1950. Beginning his service in personnel records, he was eventually promoted to Master Sergeant and led, what he modestly referred to as, the sharpest color guard unit in the entire county. Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, the beautiful Elizabeth Marie Hayward, and went to work with his father as an independent insurance agent at Grinzinger Insurance Agency, Broadway Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI. Following the death of his father, Jerry purchased the Agency and ran it until his retirement. He cataloged his lifes most memorable achievements via the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren and through the commitment he made to organizations, associations and boards on which he served that made a difference in the lives of others. Through his example and not-so-gentle encouragement, he instilled a legacy of volunteerism in each of his children. His religious faith and love of his parish was integral to who he was. For well over 50 years Jerry was one of the go-to-guys for anything related to Sacred Heart Parish or SHA. His dossier included the Mt. Pleasant Little League, JayCees, Chamber of Commerce; Sacred Heart Athletic Association and School Board and the Knights of Columbus. He was a founder of the Athletic Ball, the Sacred Heart Fall Festival, SHAgala and was on the Friday Fish Fry crew for decades. He was an enthusiastic and out-spoken advocate for children, the underserved and the misunderstood. He was willing to take unpopular positions to do the compassionate and right thing and was once fired from the Presidency of the SHA School Board for refusing to expel pregnant high school girls. Just as often he served humbly with no notoriety; caring for adults with intellectual disabilities; serving as a guardian for those who could not manage their own affairs or making ceaseless rounds to assisted living homes throughout the county to be sure all the old folks had visitors. He was a dedicated and often rabid sports fan whose voice could be heard over the crowd and sometimes competed with the referees whistle. Jerry hardly ever missed a game or competition when his children or grandchildren were on the roster. During the years when no Grinzinger progeny attended local high schools he adopted a set of voluntary grandchildren to cheer for. There were no strangers in Geralds life, only friends he had yet to meet. His smile was infectious, his laugh legendary, his dance steps always at the ready and his hugs given freely and often. He is survived by his brother Robert Grinzinger and honored by his children Kathie Grinzinger (Terry Turnwald); David Grinzinger (Leigh Ann); Michael Grinzinger (Lisa); Jeffrey Grinzinger (Deb); and Karen Snider (Jeff). Missing him will also be his eleven grandchildren Nicholas Grinzinger (Virginia); Nathan Grinzinger; Amanda (Hillmann) Zdarsky (Christopher); Elizabeth (Hillmann) Sparks (Michael); Mark Grinzinger, Matthew Grinzinger, Ryan Grinzinger, Anna Jane Grinzinger; Raeleigh Grinzinger; Kayla Snider; Zachary Snider and great granddaughter little Shelby and many special nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Elizabeth; brother Charles and two sisters Teresa Bollman and Agnes Sheahan. On the other side of Heavens gate, he will be also be meeting up with the many members of his posse from deer camp, golf league, card club, and the Sacred Heart family he missed every day. His life will be celebrated at a Funeral Mass; 11:00am, Thursday October 16, at Sacred Heart Church with Father Loren Kalinowski presiding, Father Thomas McNamara concelebrating and Deacon Larry Fussman assisting. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall. The family hopes friends will join and support them at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00pm. A Vigil will begin at 7:30pm. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday one hour prior to Mass. Jerry would ask memorial contributions be made to one of his most cherished charities, Sacred Heart Academy Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. In the last few years when Jerry talked about his blessings, he always said, There are a lot of great people in this world. You are right, Grandpa Jerry, and you are certainly one of the greatest.