Clear Lake, SD - Paul Gruener, age 53, passed away at his residence in rural Clear Lake, SD on Sunday, March 11, 2012. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2012 in the Deuel High School Gymnasium, Clear Lake, SD. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Clear Lake, SD. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at Houseman Funeral Home, Clear Lake, SD and will resume one hour prior to the service at the High School.
Paul Edward Gruener was born on May 22, 1958 to Earl and Emma Gruener in Clear Lake, SD. He was raised on the family farm in the Hidewood Valley and graduated from the Clear Lake High School in Clear Lake, SD. On September 20, 1975, Paul joined the South Dakota Army National Guard where he served for over 36 years. Paul was deployed to active duty, first in 1990 to the Gulf War and then in 2003 to Iraq. He was currently a member of the 740th Transportation Company in Aberdeen, SD.
On April 28, 1979, Paul was united in marriage to Lorolia Kay Tekrony in the Bemis Christian Reformed Church. They lived and farmed on the Gruener family farm where they raised their four children. He also enjoyed raising Charolais cattle, which was a passion he got from his father, Earl. Paul built grain bins with his brothers, Steve and Dean. In 1989 Paul and Kay bought the farm from his parents. He passed away there on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the age of 53 years, 9 months and 18 days.
Paul enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also liked watching the History Channel on television and socializing with his Guard friends. Paul is well known for his service to the military. He had a passion for teaching his younger Soldiers. Paul was one of the most innovative people you will ever meet.
Paul is lovingly remembered by his wife, Kay Gruener; four children: Rebecca (Jayme) Trygstad, Shelly (Jason) Thomson, Edward Gruener and Lacey Gruener; three granddaughters: Samantha, Liberty and Abbigail; one grandson, Skylar; mother Emma Gruener; seven siblings: Betty (Mike) Weiss, Mary (James) Rowton, Dave (Linda) Gruener, Polly (Bart) Larson, Dean (Theresa) Gruener, Steve (Deb) Gruener and Ida Marcinko; three sisters-in-law: Lesa Arnold, Lola Tekrony and Ronna Tekrony; five brothers-in-law: Randy (Tracey) Tekrony, Alvin Tekrony, Vince (Karen) Tekrony, Steve (Bonnie) Tekrony and Blaine Tekrony; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Paul was preceded in death by his father Earl Gruener; father and mother-in-law, Merwin and Joyce Tekrony; two brothers-in-law, Gary Tekrony and Ricky Tekrony (infant); one nephew, Brian Weiss and many aunts and uncles.
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