BLANCHARDVILLE - Paul H. Gruenenfelder, age 64 of Blanchardville passed away surrounded by his family & friends on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at the U. W. Hospital in Madison after recently being diagnosed with cancer. Paul was born in Blanchardville on April 8th, 1948, the son of Henry and Margaret (Wahl) Gruenenfelder. He was baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Church in Blanchardville. He attended Plainview Country School and Blanchardville Grade and High School where he lettered in three sports. Paul married Vicki Kopps in 1965 and had three children, Lisa, Paula, and Mike (Jamie). Paul was a cheesemaker most of his life and he worked as a Manager at Grande Cheese Company in Brownsville and in Friendship, where he met and married Glady (Vine) in 1977. Glady had a daughter Christie who Paul also raised as his own. Paul and Glady moved back to Blanchardville in 1983 after his car accident. They opened up a restaurant in 1986 named "Freddies" and ran that until 1996. Paul was elected to the Village Board in 1987 and served as Board member and Village President until 1996. He did bookkeeping and accounting for some local farmers and businesses for many of those years.
Paul was well known for his beautiful voice and musical talent. In the 70s he played with the Country Kings and right up until his death he played with his brothers in the Greenfield Bros. Band. Paul was responsible for coordinating many of the musical shows in the area and lived to join in with the bands to sing and listen to the "old country music." He had many friendships and connections with numerous musicians.
Paul had an endless sense of humor and enjoyed life and having fun with friends and family. He enjoyed "wheeling" downtown and discussing the games with his buddies at "happy hour." Paul was a pillar of strength and someone to truly be remembered when you think of the phrase "don't give up." He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Paul is survived by his three daughters, Lisa (Dave Henning) Colello of Madison, Paula (Denny) Darrow of Madison, and Christie (Rick Busch) Goebel of Monroe; five grandchildren, Mike's daughter Maci, Lisa's son Zachary, and Christie's three children Ashley, Michaela and Hunter; one great-grandchild Aliyah; three brothers, Gary (Murt) Gruenenfelder, Allen Gruenenfelder and Mark (Kelly) Gruenenfelder all of Blanchardville; four sisters, Marilyn (Lee) Fahrney of Hollandale, Anita (Randy) Kammerer of Brodhead, and Patricia Hendrickson and Ann (Denny) Marty of Blanchardville. He is also survived by his first wife Vicki, and a friend Mina, along with several other friends and family. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Margaret in 2011, his loving wife Glady in October of 2000, and his son Mike in February of 1996. We will miss your laughter, humor and your stories and the great times we shared. Until we meet again you will be forever in our hearts.
A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, October 25, 2012 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.
Paul was well known for his beautiful voice and musical talent. In the 70s he played with the Country Kings and right up until his death he played with his brothers in the Greenfield Bros. Band. Paul was responsible for coordinating many of the musical shows in the area and lived to join in with the bands to sing and listen to the "old country music." He had many friendships and connections with numerous musicians.
Paul had an endless sense of humor and enjoyed life and having fun with friends and family. He enjoyed "wheeling" downtown and discussing the games with his buddies at "happy hour." Paul was a pillar of strength and someone to truly be remembered when you think of the phrase "don't give up." He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Paul is survived by his three daughters, Lisa (Dave Henning) Colello of Madison, Paula (Denny) Darrow of Madison, and Christie (Rick Busch) Goebel of Monroe; five grandchildren, Mike's daughter Maci, Lisa's son Zachary, and Christie's three children Ashley, Michaela and Hunter; one great-grandchild Aliyah; three brothers, Gary (Murt) Gruenenfelder, Allen Gruenenfelder and Mark (Kelly) Gruenenfelder all of Blanchardville; four sisters, Marilyn (Lee) Fahrney of Hollandale, Anita (Randy) Kammerer of Brodhead, and Patricia Hendrickson and Ann (Denny) Marty of Blanchardville. He is also survived by his first wife Vicki, and a friend Mina, along with several other friends and family. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Margaret in 2011, his loving wife Glady in October of 2000, and his son Mike in February of 1996. We will miss your laughter, humor and your stories and the great times we shared. Until we meet again you will be forever in our hearts.
A visitation will be held on Thursday evening, October 25, 2012 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blanchardville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 26, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the church. Fr. Thomas Gillespie will officiate. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Blanchardville. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.