Clinton Grenz

Chaplain LTC USA, Retired Clinton Edwen Grenz, 75, Bismarck, died June 26, 2008 at his home. Services will be held at 10:00 am Thursday at Century Baptist Church, Bismarck with Rev. Gordon Stork and Rev. Alan Steier officiating. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm Wednesday at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck where a prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church. Clinton was born January 13, 1933, on the family farm near Napoleon, ND, the son of Edwen and Ida Gohring Grenz. He grew up on the family farm, graduated from Napoleon High School in 1951, attended college for two years, and was drafted into the Army July 16, 1953. After his two year tour of active duty, he returned to civilian life, joined the Army Reserves and completed his college degree from Minot State College. Clinton married Carol Breuer on August 26, 1956 at the Hesper Church in Hesper, ND. He taught public grade and high school band and vocal for several years. After the death of his first daughter, Clinton left the teaching field, enrolled at the North American Baptist Seminary and graduated in 1961. He was ordained into the gospel ministry June 13, 1961 at the First Baptist Church, Minot, ND. His calling into military ministry provided Clinton the opportunity to serve both God and Country. His service as an Army Chaplain was recognized by his Commanders with many letters of Commendations and Awards that reflected Clinton’s commitment to sharing the Good News to all of the military personnel and their families. Clinton served his country for twenty-six years, serving in seven major posts in the United States, Vietnam, Korea and Germany. Among the many military awards and decorations he received where the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service, RVN Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Korean Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal, RVN Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with Palm and two Overseas Bars. After his retirement from the military, Clinton joined the Civil Air Patrol where he served as Squadron and Wing Chaplain for the State of ND as Chaplain, check pilot and mission plot for 25 years. He was given the Commander’s Commendation award for outstanding duty performance in the Civil Air patrol. He was founder, director and Christian Counselor of the Christian Counseling Center in Bismarck. He served as Assistant Administrator of the Baptist Home and served as intern pastor of several rural and Bismarck churches. He was an associate professor at UND School of Medicine. He served on the board of trustees at Tabor College and the North American Baptist Seminary. He became District Minister for the Central District of Mennonite Brethren Churches. A position he held for ten years. Clinton loved his children and grandchildren. His joy was sharing God’s creation and redemption story with his ten grandchildren and their families as they traveled throughout the United States. His love for music, photography, flying and travel to different parts of the world will always be remembered by his family members and friends. Clinton is survived by his wonderful companion and wife Carol of Bismarck; two daughters and one son, Melodee Joy Grenz Privratsky and Dan, Beth Ann Grenz O’Brien and Michael, Dr. Donald Howard Grenz and Beth Ann; ten grandchildren, Jasmine, Sarah and Johnathan O’Brien, Breanna, Maria and Alexa Privratsky and Katie, Kristen, Matthew and Tana Grenz and one brother, Kermit Karla Grenz of Andover, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Cynthia Lee. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the American Heart Association, 1005 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND, 58401 or to the Crystal Springs Youth Camp.

Clinton Grenz

January 13, 1933 - June 26, 2008