Francis X. Grenier, age 91, of Escanaba passed away Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.
Francis was born June 30, 1918 in Escanaba, the son of Henry and Alma (Aubin) Grenier. He was a 1937 graduate from the Escanaba High School. In 1942 Francis joined the United States Army Air Corp and served his country during World War II. He was the recipient of the Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with 1 Silver and 5 Bronze Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, 5 Overseas Service Bars, 1 Service Stripe and the Good Conduct Medal. Following the war Francis married the former Audrey Tardiff on February 5, 1946 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Francis was a devoted catholic and a longtime member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Francis worked for SS Kresge Company for 43 years with his last 5 years spent at K-Mart. After his retirement in 1980 Francis and Audrey moved to Mesa, Arizona. While there they were both active with the St. Vincent dePaul Society. Also while in Mesa, Francis especially enjoyed his time with the Chicago Cubs during spring training. In 2003 Francis and Audrey returned to Escanaba. He was an avid sportsman. He loved baseball, golfing, playing horseshoes and watching the Green Bay Packers. Francis also loved to sing and dance.
Including his wife, Audrey he is survived by:
3 Sons: Patrick (Michelle) Grenier of Rapid River, MI; John (Lee) Grenier of Mesa, AZ; James (Karen) Grenier of Fountain, CO
7 Daughters: Katherine (Jhan) Lehman of Two Rivers, WI; Susan Hooks of Phoenix, AZ; Carol (Joseph) Selinger of Mesa, AZ; Mary (Joe) Borowy of Pocatello, ID; Annette Grenier of Marquette, MI; Christine Grenier of Kimberly, WI; Kerry Anne VanDine of Gilbert, AZ
17 Grandchildren
14 Great Grandchildren
3 Sisters: Betty Nicholas of Gladstone; Mary Ann (Donald) Moreau of Flint, MI; Mary Lou (Gerald) Guenette of Milwaukee, WI
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Michael Grenier, one sister Eva Atkinson and five brothers Raymond, Anthony, Robert, Alvin and Lawrence Grenier.
Francis’ family will receive friends on Thursday, March 11 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Rites will be conducted by the Delta County Veterans Council at 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:00 PM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following in the church fellowship hall. Francis will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Francis’ name may be directed to St.Vincent dePaul Society or the Right to Life. Use the form below to express your sympathy to the Grenier family, or to leave a memory tribute about Francis.
