John Arthur Gruenwald, 74, of Napa, CA, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2016 in Napa. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Redfield, SD. Reverend Gregory Frankman will officiate. Following a time of fellowship and lunch, burial of cremains will take place in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Zell, SD. Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield has been entrusted with arrangements. (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

John Arthur Gruenwald was born July 21, 1942 to James and Ruby (Hardie) Gruenwald in Aberdeen, SD and grew up in Zell, SD. He graduated from Redfield High School in 1960.

After high school, John graduated from Stewart's School of Hairstyling in Sioux Falls, SD. He owned and operated Jon's Big Top beauty salon in Rapid City. John married Sheryl Betten in 1962 and they had two children, Bradley and Gina. John and Sheryl separated their ways in the late 60's and John was drafted into the US Army in 1968. He finished his Army career at Letterman Hospital in San Francisco as an Orthopedic Technician. Although he was away from his children, he saw them every chance he got, kept in close touch, and maintained loving relationships.

After his discharge, John remained in San Francisco for over 40 years, where he met and married Barbara Treichel. John and Barbara's son, Lucas, was born in 1996. John was never happier than when he had his children around him. While living in San Francisco, John was a bartender and property manager. He enjoyed wood working, traveling, bike riding, golf and baseball. He was a loyal Dodger fan. He enjoyed family outings and attending Lucas' baseball games. John cherished his family and friends and was sure to make a visit back to Zell every year. Although he loved traveling, his roots remained in South Dakota.

In 2008, John was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. He lived courageously with this difficult illness until his passing on September 24, 2016.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in- law Donald Bohl, and his first wife, Sheryl.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Barbara; his children: Bradley (Doreen) Gruenwald of Redondo Beach, CA; Gina Gruenwald of Scottsdale, AZ; and Lucas Gruenwald of Napa, CA. He is also survived by his granddaughter Alyssa Gruenwald; step-grandson, Jonevin Sabado; his brother, Jim (Margaret) Gruenwald; his sisters: Joan Bohl, Judy (Richard) Fredrickson, and Jolene (Nick) Rude; his uncle and godfather Ignatius Gruenwald; his aunt and godmother Mary Angela Edgar; his mother-in-law Louise Treichel; his sister-in-law Terry (Bill) Passon; his brother-in-law Steve (Denise) Treichel; and many nieces and nephews.

John agreed to donate brain tissue upon his passing to UCSF brain bank for research in hopes to help find a cure for Lewy Body and other atypical Parkinson's illnesses. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to:

http://seeleylab.ucsf.edu/giving
or mail to UCSF Foundation, PO Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339. Indicate funds going to Seeley Lab Fund B2781, in memory of John Gruenwald
OR
www.lbda.org or mail to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047, Indicate in memory of John Gruenwald

Saturday, October 22, 2016
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

St. Bernard Catholic Church
213 East 6th Ave
Redfield, SD 57469

Saturday, October 22, 2016
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery
38283 County Road 16
Zell, SD 57469