Russ Gronevelt Jr.

Russell Arthur Gronevelt Jr., 77, passed away on April 5, at the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, MI. He was born January 13, 1947, to Russell Arthur Gronevelt Sr. and Virginia Marie Garbade in Highland Park, MI.

Russ spent much of his life in Livonia, MI. He graduated from Bentley High School, class of 1964. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI, and a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University, Detroit, MI. Lifelong friends were made in each, but especially at his beloved Michigan Tech, where he was an active member of Sigma Rho fraternity. He eventually served the university in many capacities; his proudest as a member of the Board of Control, and eventually Chairman of that Board.

He is survived by his wife Charlene, sons Ryan, Rhett (Kerri), Rory (Janelle), and grandchildren Melina, Caleb, Jaxson, Ruby, and Landon. Russ is also survived by his sister-in-law Darlene Gronevelt and nephews Brett and Brian, brother and sister-in-law Steve and Janice Gray, and nephews Jeff (Cynthia), Mike (Christin), and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Raymond W. Gronevelt.

He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren, and when healthy, he enjoyed playing with them, teaching them, and took joy in their different personalities and gifts.

He was a talented wood worker, loved swimming, taking fishing trips into Canada (often with Charlene), and most loved hunting with his many buddies at Camp Zippy (somewhere in Michigan). He loved the years of camping with the boys and often Charlene’s parents. Always the first and last to leave the beach, followed by campfires and any card game the boys chose.

He was a hard worker and early on in his career was given jobs of great responsibility. His ability to analyze and solve problems of any magnitude was remarkable. The first employer out of college was the City of Livonia, followed by Wayne County, and lastly by Orchard, Hiltz and McCliment, consulting engineering firm. He was proud to work for Edward McNamara in both Livonia and the County. Russ touched the lives of hundreds of people, but most importantly, loved his family and his Lord Jesus Christ. He was a member of St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, in Livonia, MI.

A Celebration of Russ’s Life, will be held on Friday April 12, beginning at 11AM with a Funeral Service at Harry J. Will Funeral Home (37000 W Six Mile Road Livonia, MI 48152), followed by a luncheon from Noon to 3PM honoring Russ at Laurel Manor (39000 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150).

Public visitations will be held on Thursday evening, April 11, from 5PM to 7PM and on Friday April 12, from 10AM to 11AM at the Funeral Home.

Please join us in honoring and celebrating the life of Russ. We look forward to everyone sharing their memories and stories (surely funny) of ‘Rusty’ during the luncheon. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship in Russ’s honor in the Civil Engineering Department at Michigan Technological University. To make a donation, please use the following link: https://give.mtu.edu/project/38157/donate?des_id=626475