Rev. Dean Greunke was called to glory, June 11, 2018. He served in the NID for forty years as pastor of Emmanuel, Aurora, interim pastor at St. Paul, Aurora and pastor of Zion, Naperville. He served as Chaplain on call at Rush Copley Hospital, Aurora, for thirty-five years. He earned his clinical pastoral education credits at Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers Grove, and Mercy Center, Aurora. He was an active participant in church league sports in Aurora.
Pastor Greunke was born in Arlington, NE, the eldest son of Max and Elsa (Knecht) Greunke. He was baptized and confirmed in the faith at St Paul Lutheran, Arlington, NE. He graduated from St. Paul High School, Concordia, MO. In 1951 and St. Paul College in 1953. He continued his pastoral education at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. Prior to vicarage at Zion Lutheran Stamford, CT. he married Janette Meyer at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Concordia, Mo. He graduated from seminary in 1958. He was ordained in his first parish, Trinity, Dillsboro, IN on July 6, 1958, and served there until he was called by Western District to begin a mission in Memphis, TN, in 1962. Good Shepherd Church was established. While in Memphis he served as last Western District LWML counselor and first LWML District Counselor to the MidSouth District. He also served as Lutheran Chaplain on call to the Naval Air Station, Millington, TN. He began service in NID in 1969 and served there until moving to Lutheran Haven, Oviedo, FL. In 2007.
Pastor Greunke is survived by his wife, Janette (Meyer) Greunke and children, Janelle Zelensek of Montgomery, IL, David (Marit) Greunke of San Diego, CA and Joel (Christa) Greunke of Elgin, IL. Six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Memorial Service to be held Monday, June 18, 2018 at 11:00AM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church , Oviedo, FL 32765
