Francis Gerald Gruenwald, 74, of Zell, SD, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield, SD.  His visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 23, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Family will be present during this time to accept condolences.   A Scriptural Prayer Service, Rosary, and Time of Sharing will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 24, at St. Mary's Chapel in Zell with Reverend John Short officiating.  Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service in the fellowship hall.  Cremation will take place after the Mass and a committal service at St. Mary's Cemetery in Zell will take place at a later date.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed to the funeral home's website, below Francis' obituary.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

Francis was born July 17, 1947, to Jerome and Carolyn (Moeller) Gruenwald in Aberdeen, SD.  He grew up on the family farm outside of Zell with his 14 siblings.  Francis married Janet Way in 1973 and together they raised seven children in Zell.  Francis was a loyal employee for Frank Carr Construction for many years.

Francis is survived by his wife Janet; children:  Robert (Amber) Gruenwald, Amanda (Jason) Vander, Anthony (Kim Wagner) Gruenwald, Emily (Jordan) Smithback, Nathaniel (Renae) Gruenwald, Kenton Gruenwald, and Crystal (Jorden) Arthurs; and 11 grandchildren:  Summer Vander, Alex Vander, Jeff Vander, Karaline Smithback, Ella Gruenwald, Elliza Smithback, Chloe Gruenwald, Oliver Smithback, Owen Gruenwald, Melanie Smithback, and Corbin Arthurs.  He is also survived by his siblings:  Norita Rice, Wilfred (Patty) Gruenwald, Karen (Dennis) Lau, Janice (Bill) Winegar, Joseph Gruenwald, Betty Moore, Mary Wurtz, Richard (Bette) Gruenwald, Jerry (Jacquie) Gruenwald, and Douglas Gruenwald; brother-in-law Roald Amundson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings:  Michael Gruenwald, Margaret Owen, Jean Wallman, Irene Amundson; and brothers-in-law:  Dick Rice and Pete Wurtz.

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Thanks to the participants for the Mass service for Francis:

Clergy - Reverend John Short

Placing of the Pall:

Amanda Vander, Emily Smithback, Crystal Arthurs

Lectors - Mary Kay Jandel and Dennis Lau

Pianist - Carol Esser

Cantor - Sheri Zens

Pallbearers:

Robert Gruenwald, Anthony Gruenwald, Jordan Smithback,

Nathaniel Gruenwald, Kenton Gruenwald, Jorden Arthurs

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