Clifford Joseph Gruenenfelder, age 89 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, July 02, 2014, at his residence in Highland, IL.
He was born October 26, 1924, in Highland, IL, the son of Clarence and Lettie (nee Haley) Gruenenfelder.
On June 02, 1948, he married Evelyn Emily Weidner who survives.
He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church. He was also a member of Holy Name Society – St. Paul Altar Society – Perpetual Adoration at St. Joseph Hospital – Lee Iten American Legion Post #439 Highland, IL(Past Commander) – Highland VFW Post # 5694 – .
Cliff was born and grew up in Highland, IL. He attended Highland High School. In March of 1943 he was inducted in the US Army and served in the Infantry during WWII in Europe. After his military hitch he later operated a Taxi Service and Pool Hall. He worked for Ford Motor Co. in Hazelwood, MO in the 1950’s. He was a Laborer until 1965, when he joined the Highland Police Dept. In 1973 he worked at the Army Depot in Granite City as a Security Officer, retiring in 1990. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, bowling, Cardinal baseball, and was very active in the VFW and American Legion. He had donated a total of 23 gallons of blood, and Volunteered for Meal’s on Wheels. Clifford never missed a parade and put US Flags around town and participated with Military Funeral Honors.
Survivors include :
Wife – Evelyn E. Gruenenfelder, nee Weidner, Highland, IL
Son – Kevin G. (Debbria S., nee Garland) Gruenenfelder, Highland, IL
Grandchild – Regina R. Ripperda, Highland, IL
Granddaughter In-law – Wendy M. Gruenenfelder, Highland, IL
Great Grandchild – Courtney M. Gruenenfelder
Great Grandchild – Gage D. Gruenenfelder
Great Grandchild – Kelsey L. Gruenenfelder
Great Grandchild – Keely S. Gruenenfelder
Great Grandchild – Brianna R. Ripperda
Great Grandchild – Isaiah R. Moore
Brother – Duane (Mary Ellen) Gruenenfelder, Highland, IL
Brother – Robert (Shirley) Gruenenfelder, Springfield, IL
Sister – Mary Ellen Ansley, Mount Vernon, IL
Brother In-law – Stan Brauer, Saint Jacob, IL
He was preceded in death by :
Father – Clarence Gruenenfelder
Mother – Lettie — Gruenenfelder, nee Haley
Grandchild – Corey J. Gruenenfelder (died 8/28/2012)
Sister – Stella Brauer
Brother – Donald Gruenenfelder
Brother – Russell G. Gruenenfelder
Sister In-law – Lois Gruenenfelder
Brother In-law – “Doc” Ansley
Sister In-law – Betty Gruenenfelder
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, July 06, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, on Monday, July 07, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 07, 2014, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Fr. Charles A. Edwards, Pastor, Highland, IL officiating.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern IL ; Lee Iten American Legion Post ; Highland VFW Post.
