E. Paul Groenig Obituary (1922

E. Paul Groenig passed away on Friday, December 6th at the ripe age of 97. Paul was a long time farmer in Yakima and ran the family owned business, Groenig Orchards for many years. It was truly a family business with many family and friends working alongside each other at the warehouse. Dad always went out of his way for his family and friends and loved working with each of them. Dad was an avid Ham Radio enthusiast and besides his call letters, WA7DZL was known to his Ham buddies as "The Wormy Apple King." It was through his Ham Radio that he met his wife Marilyn and they were soon married and spend the next 43 years together. They enjoyed their life together and went on many wonderful vacations and fishing trips. Both Dad and Marilyn appreciated all their friends and times together, especially their close friends Bill and Pat Humphries. Bill and Pat were always there for them and held a special place in their hearts. Paul was born the eldest of 2 children on August 11, 1922 to Edwin and Mary Groenig. His parents were founding members of the First Nazarene Church of Yakima and Paul was a loyal member teaching Sunday School, ushering, and singing in the choir. It was in the church that he met his first wife Wilma Berkheimer and they were married for 32 years. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Wilma Groenig, his loving sister Arlene Hagedorn-Keezer and his oldest son Dennis Allen Groenig. Dennis was a constant joy to Dad and he loved spending time with Dennis, his wife Anne and their family. Dad is survived by his loving wife Marilyn (Rusti) Groenig, his youngest son Doug Groenig (Nancy), his daughter-in-law Anne Groenig, 3 grandchildren, Denny Groenig, Alyssa Groenig, Brandon Stone, and 5 wonderful great grandchildren, Brezlyn, Shaylee, Kaden, Drew and Gavin. Paul is also survived by four stepchildren and many more grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he always felt were his own. The family would like to thank all the visitors at Living Care Nursing Home in his last 2 years that helped make this transition easier. Special thanks also to all the staff at Living Care that helped allow Paul and Marilyn to spend their last years together. From Doug, Dad you showed me in these last years what the meaning of strength is and your everlasting love for your Savior made our final times together special and I know you are seated beside Him today. Thanks for always being a wonderful Dad and friend.