Funeral leaflet:

Elva Helen Gruenhage was born November 26, 1919, in Platte County, Nebraska, to John Adolph and Katherine (Finke) Grotelueschen. She was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church and confirmed her Christian faith through confirmation at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Elva attended Immanuel Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Kramer High School in 1938. She was united in marriage to Fred Gruenhage on May 16, 1943, at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Elva worked for Nielsen Chevrolet and Tyrrell Chevrolet in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, as a bookkeeper from 1938 to 1943. After her marriage and moving to Roswell, New Mexico, Elva worked for Roswell Auto Company. When the family moved back to Columbus, Elva became the first secretary and business manager for Immanuel Lutheran Church, retiring in 1981 after 17 years of service to the church.

Elva was a charter member of Immanuel Lutheran Couples Club and Immanuel Altar Guild. She was a member of LWML and several other church organizations. She was a docent at the Columbus Art Gallery and delivered “Meals on Wheels” for many years. Elva enjoyed family vacations to the national parks, and later to visit family members in various parts of the United States. She enjoyed playing cards and board games, and sewing.

The family would like to thank Joanne Kasal for her care and support of Elva throughout the years.

Elva is survived by:

Son – Donne (Phyllis Munoz) Leigh of San Diego, CA

Son – Gary (Peg Daniels) Gruenhage of Auburn, AL

Son – Robert Gruenhage of Boise, ID

Daughter – Norma (Wayne) Kramer of Montgomery, TX

Grandchildren – David (Christina) Kramer, Megan (T. J.) Carson, Carissa (Greg) Rosemore, and Justin Leigh

Great Grandchildren – Raelynn & Kinsley Carson, and Harper Rosemore

Brother – Rev. Norman Grotelueschen of Collierville, TN

Sister-in-law – Joyce Grotelueschen of Kansas City, MO

Many nieces and nephews

Elva was preceded in death by:

Parents – John and Katherine Grotelueschen

Husband – Fred Gruenhage

Brothers – Harold and Roland Grotelueschen

Sister – Louise Barjenbruch

Half Brothers – Arthur, Ernest, Paul and Rev. Elmer Grotelueschen

Half Sister – Clara Buchholz

In Loving Memory of Elva Helen Gruenhage

Born Wednesday, November 26, 1919 Platte County, Nebraska; Entered Into Rest Wednesday, April 10, 2019 Columbus, Nebraska

Service Monday, April 15, 2019 10:30 AM Gass Haney Funeral Home, Columbus, Nebraska. Officiant: Rev. Patrick Sparling. Music: Ann Cattau “Beautiful Savior”; Congregational Hymns: “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

Casket Bearers: David Kramer, Justin Leigh, Milt Heinrich, Charles Barjenbruch, Jim Barjenbruch, Dean Barjenbruch.

Interment: Roselawn Memorial Cemetery, Columbus, Nebraska

~~~Funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

FindaGrave # 198240622