Rev. Dean Greunke was called to glory, June 11, 2018
He served in the LCMS Northern Illinois District 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 and at Mercy Center, Aurora. He was an active participant in church league sports in Aurora.
Rev. Greunke was born in Arlington, Nebraska, the eldest son of Max and Elsa (Knecht) Gruenke. He was baptized and confirmed in the faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Arlington, Nebraska.
He attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and prior to vicarage, married Janette Meyer, graduating from the seminary in 1958. His first call was to Trinity, Dillsboro, Indiana and he then served in the LCMS Western District in missions. He began service in the LCMS Northern Illinois District in 1969 and served here until moving to Lutheran Haven, Oviedo, Florida in 2007.
Rev. Greunke is survived by his wife, Janette (Meyer) Greunke and children, Janelle Zelensek, David (Marit) Greunke, and Joel (Christa) Greunke, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren
A memorial service will be held Monday, June 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 2021 W. State Road 426 Oviedo, Florida, 32765