John Gronstal

John Francis, son of Bernt and Mary (Heaton) Gronstal, was born May 13, 1926 at Council Bluffs, Iowa. He attended Benedictine Prep School and completed his degree at Creighton University in Omaha in 1947. John was a National Bank Examiner before moving to Carroll to work at Carroll County State Bank. John continued his family's banking legacy throughout his life serving in many capacities including President of CCSB. After his retirement, John continued to serve on the Board of Director's until the time of his death. On November 6, 1950, John was united in marriage with Margaret Lillian Devereux. They had eleven children and John was always their champion. He was committed to Margaret and his family and was lovingly observant in all the adventures their family had over the years. He had a hilarious sense of humor and a love of life. John's sense of adventure was contagious and it was a thrill to be along for the ride! John had a fine mind and a love for history, travel, photography, Chryslers, classical and jazz music played at full volume, among so many other interests. He had a strong faith life and the daily rosary was a significant expression of his faith. His soul was joyful and his heart was full of love for Margaret, his family and his faith. He never lost that love of life, deep faith and humor even when he was in pain and suffering. Service was a hallmark of John's life. His faith was reflected in all his accomplishments. He was a member of the 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Carroll School Board, Finance Board of Holy Spirit Parish, Church Choir and Meals on Wheels. In his retirement in San Francisco John volunteered at the Central American Refugee Center as a fundraiser/ fiscal manager. When John's health started to fail, he was able to remain in his home in Carroll with the loving care of his family. He died there on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the age of 86 years, 11 months and 20 days. Preceding him in death are his parents; son Patrick Gronstal; grandson Jesse Gronstal Keith; son in law Mark Anderson; siblings Jim Gronstal, Paul Gronstal, Joe Gronstal, Mary Gronstal, Bobby Gronstal and Phil Gronstal; parents in law Bernard and Ann Devereux; brother in law James Devereux and sister in law Madelyn Stover. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Gronstal of Carroll; children: Mary Bruner (Barry) of Carroll, Bernie (Barb) Gronstal of Phoenix, AZ, Mark Gronstal of Ft. Collins, CO, Ann Gronstal of Iowa City, Peggy Anderson of Oak Grove, OR, Jean Koester of North Hampton, MA, Dan Gronstal of Conroe, TX, Jeff (Donna) Gronstal of Des Moines, Trish (Wade) Bemmels of Independence, MN and Kirsten (Lance) Elston of Bloomington, MN; 21 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sisters in law Rose Gronstal of Council Bluffs, Sister Sheila Devereux of San Francisco, CA, Miriam Jelinek of Seattle, WA, Barbara (Bill) Shain of Seattle and Rose (Tim) Eagan of San Jose, CA and brother in law Tom Devereux (Judy) of Phoenix, AZ; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Mass of Christian Burial REV. TIMOTHY JOHNSON ~ CELEBRANT REV. TIM BOEKELMAN ~ CONCELEBRANT Eucharistic Ministers MARY BRUNER BARRY BRUNER Lectors TRISH BEMMELS KIRSTEN ELSTON Music VOCALISTS AND PIANIST - JAKE GUTE AND JOHN'S FAMILY Casket Bearers ~ Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren ROBERT (BRIDGET) BRUNER MEGHAN (KEVIN) VELASQUEZ BENJAMIN BRUNER RYAN BRUNER ERIC GRONSTAL AARON (ADAM) GRONSTAL PATRICK GRONSTAL MICHAEL GRONSTAL HUNTER KEITH BRITTANY (KEVIN) MCCONNELL MAX ANDERSON ERIN KOESTER JARED KOESTER ALEX KOESTER CALLIE GRONSTAL JOHN GRONSTAL JASON GRONSTAL NATHAN (DESIREE) GRONSTAL BRECKIN BEMMELS RYDER BEMMELS GRANT ELSTON