Rev. John N Grenfell Jr.

Rev. John N. Grenfell Jr., 86, of Fort Gratiot Township, died Sunday, June 25, 2017.

He was born December 27, 1930 in Detroit to the late John and Dorothy Grenfell. He married Jeannine Neal on June 19, 1952 in St. Clair Shores.

John graduated from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Vennard College, William Penn University, and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. He then served United Methodist Churches in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan for 41 years as a Pastor and District Superintendent. In retirement, he travelled across the country as a tireless reformer and advocate for integrity and justice within the Church. He also served as Camp Director for 7 years at Simpson Park in Romeo, Michigan, the state’s oldest Holiness Camp Meeting for families.

A recipient of the Edmund Robb, Jr. United Methodist Renewal Award from the Good News Board of Directors, he was a lifetime honorary member of that Board. In addition, he received the Conscience of the Conference Award from the Associates in Advocacy in recognition of a “lifetime ministry of integrity, compassion, and courage in upholding and defending the covenant of the clergy.”

John was a man of strong conviction, deep faith, loyal commitments, and persevering love. His love of God, family, and friends has inspired many throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeannine; children, Rev. Dr. John N. Grenfell III of Plymouth, Eileen Grenfell of Mequon, Wisconsin, Kathy (Fred) Betcher of Schoolcraft, Jim (Marilyn) of Bothell, Washington, and Laurie (Mike) Berman of Mequon, Wisconsin; a daughter-in-law, Dede Grenfell of Dearborn; 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and his sister, Dorothy (Don) Murray of Canton, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his son, Mike; son-in-law, Harry Kaufmann and granddaughter, Brooke.

Visitation will be 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 3, 2017 in First United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Reverend John Grenfell III will officiate.

Burial will be in Burtchville Township Cemetery. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or Simpson Park Camp. To send condolences, please visit www.pollockrandall.com