Richard Ralph Gronert

Richard Ralph Gronert, age 87, of Delavan, WI passed away at Huntington Place, Janesville on April 13, 2023.

Richard “Dick” Gronert was born in Chicago, Illinois to Fred and Esther Gronert. He was a strong Christian, loved Jesus, and shared his love of life with others. He graduated from Ripon College in 1957 and was a member Phi Beta Kappa. Later, he earned a Master of Music Education at Indiana University with a trombone emphasis, and taught high school band, orchestra and choir in Lowell and Wakarusa, Indiana as well as Madison, WI. Dick directed St. Mark’s Lutheran church choir in Janesville, WI and sang in the Southern Lakes Masterpiece Chorale in Elkhorn, WI. Dick did his doctoral work in guidance and counseling at UW-Madison and started elementary school counseling in the Janesville schools. He was a Christian counselor at the Janesville Psychiatric Clinic and was ready to help anyone in need.

He married Elaine Grining on August 18, 1957 in Chicago, Illinois. They lived most of their married life in Indiana, Madison, Janesville, and on Turtle Lake. Together they volunteered for 30 years for the National Ski Patrol at Alpine Valley, East Troy, Wisconsin. Lake life is where he spent time sailing, boating, and entertaining family and friends. He attended Richmond United Methodist Church where he led Bible studies to share his faith in Christ with others.

He is survived by his wife Elaine, son Kris (Elizabeth), daughter Karyn Karcher (John). He was preceded in death by his son, Kyle (Sheri), his parents and siblings. He had 5 grandchildren, 3 step-grand children, 6 great grandchildren, 6 great step-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 24th at First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Richmond United Methodist Church or Turtle Lake Association.

HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Janesville is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.