Rudolph J. Gron Jr.

Died: August 11, 2013

Born in his Chicago home on Oct. 27, 1933, Rudolph Gron Jr. entered into his journey on this earthly realm. He called many places home, but was happiest as a boy on a dairy farm in Crown Point, Indiana. He earned his Master’s Degree at Northern Illinois University where he met the love of his life, Nell Rauworth. They were married on January 28, 1956 and raised three daughters, whom they loved dearly. They built and settled in what would be their final home in Marengo, known to many as Raspberry Ranch. Rudy worked not only as a farmer, but was also a respected educator and eventually earned the title of Assistant Principal at Belvidere Jr. High. His passions included golf, bowling, playing accordion, and trying his best at predicting the weather. He had such a love for God’s earth and was an avid farmer and flower gardener in his later years. He was a lover of animals and granted his family the charge of many pets through the years; most recently, his dear pet, Ladybug. He also enjoyed serving his church. With his down to Earth personality, he will be remembered as a trustworthy man, and a friend to all, showing kindness and humor to many. We here on this Earthly plane will greatly miss the man we knew, but firmly believing in God and eternal life, we know he now will reside in eternity, that blissful utopia promised to him as a “good and faithful servant”.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Jeanie (Tim) Shafer and Linda (Dan) Resenbeck; his beloved grandchildren, Amanda, Cassie, and Perry Shafer, Michael (Adrienne) Carel, Christian, Elliot, and Owen Resenbeck; his son-in-law, Ron Carel; and his sister, Fran (Ted) Wegrzyn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna (Beneck) and Rudolph Gron Sr., his wife, Nell Gron, and his daughter, Jerri Carel.

Memorial visitation will be held from 1pm to 3pm on Monday, August 19 at United Methodist Church, 119 E. Washington St., Marengo, with a memorial service and fellowship to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family, to be dispersed to Rudy’s most loved causes.

Arrangements were entrusted to Marengo-Union Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.marengo-unionfuneralhome.com. For more information, please call 815-568-8131.