"To the whole Grandgenett family please accept our deepest sympathies. We were saddened to hear of Leroy's passing however the memories shall always be there. May God Bless you all during this difficult time. Rich & Tina Long"
In loving memory of
Leroy J. Grandgenett
September 16, 1931 - February 4, 2019
Leroy John Grandgenett passed away on February 4, 2019 at the age of 87. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife of 61 years and his family.
Leroy was born on September 16, 1931 at the Kossuth County Hospital Algona, IA to Anthony "Tony" and Martha (Cink) Grandgenett. He attended grade school at St. Benedict Catholic School and graduated from LuVerne High School in 1949. After graduating, he worked for Bill Mayer, Raymond Harig, Hamilton Hatchery, Bierl Locker, and Roman Thill before entering the U.S. Air Force in October 1952. He was primarily based at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska until his discharge in September 1956. He then worked at McDonald AirCraft in St. Louis MO before returning to St. Benedict.
On June 4, 1957 Leroy married Marilyn Roeder at St. Benedict Church. Truly the love of his life. The two resided in Wesley and he began working at Hamilton Enterprises & TV which he eventually purchased in 1981 and renamed as Grandgenett TV. After 40 years of living in Wesley and raising their family, Leroy retired in May 1998 and moved to Algona.
Leroy was a longtime member of St. Josephs Catholic Church in Wesley, Wesley City Council, Wesley Fire Department including 26 years as fire chief, St. Cecelias Parish in Algona, Perpetual Adoration Chapel and the Knights of Columbus. He remained active throughout his life and stayed busy with golfing, fishing, gardening and playing cards. He particularly enjoyed spending a week at East Battle Lake in Minnesota with his family every June.
Leroy is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children, Dale (Michele) Grandgenett, Eagan, MN; Lisa (Mark J) Miller, Algona, IA, Ann (Chris) Gander, Owatonna, MN, Ryan (Kelly) Grandgenett, Ames, IA; grandchildren, Cole and Cade Grandgenett, Shanna and Katie Miller, Corey and Ryan Gander and Claire, Allison, and Jack Grandgenett. Leroy is also survived by siblings, Carol Barlow, Bettendorf, IA, James (Joyce) Grandgenett, Algona, IA; Mary Lou (Ralph) Crawford, Treasure, Island, FL, sisters-in-law, Joan Grandgenett, Wesley, IA, Shirley Grandgenett, Mason City, IA, Donna Grandgenett, Algona, IA and Evelyn Grandgenett, Mason City, IA.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry, Harold, Dick and Paul; sister, Adeane (Cletus) Hejlik, brother-in-law, Jerry Barlow; infant sons, Joseph and Craig, and granddaughter, Sarah Grandgenett.
Tributes
"Marilyn & Family, so sorry to hear the loss of Leroy, he was a good friend and a very nice classmate. I was proud to have known him. "
"So very sorry for your loss Lisa, Marilyn and family. God be with you all. "
"Marilyn and family so sorry to hear of Leroys death, our sympathy goes out to you."
"The Wesley Fire Department would like to extend our condolences to the Grandgenett family. Leroy was the longest-serving fire chief in the history of our organization and one of the greatest of the Wesley firemen. His service and dedication to the Wesley Fire Department and to the community of Wesley will not be forgotten."
"Marilyn, Dale, Lisa, Ann and Roger our deepest sympathies! Seeing Leroy and Marilyn in church every weekend and just seeing how they took care of one another just represented to me that's how you do it! All the photos show Leroy lived his life through friends and family!"
"My condolences Marilyn to you and your family. May your precious memories of Leroy sustain you during this difficult time."
"Sorry for you loss. I use to work with Leroy putting up TV antennas. Roger Olthoff "
"So very sorry for your loss, Ryan and family. Fathers leave a lasting legacy in the hearts, minds and souls of the families they love. Sincerely, Janel, McFarland Clinic, Family Medicine East"