Walter Bertin Gronert

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Walter Bertin “Walt” Gronert, 99, sadly passed away on October 24, 2023 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes Iowa. Walt was born May 31, 1924, the fifth of seven children, to Frank A. and Jessica F. Gronert in Shambaugh, Iowa, where his father was a flour miller. Later, the family operated a water power mill in Mt. Etna, Iowa, before building a flour and feed mill in Creston, Iowa.

Walt graduated from Creston High School in 1942 and worked in defense construction in Grand Island and Hastings, Nebraska, before being inducted into the army in 1943. He trained as a 155 and 105 millimeter howitzer gunner, and in wire communications in the field artillery. He served in Europe in World War II, earning the rank of sergeant.

Following military service, Walt worked as a carpenter and a cabinet maker before enrolling in Iowa State College. He continued his trade during the summers.

Walt married Frances Jones on August 19, 1951. He graduated with a B.S. degree in 1954 and began a 34-year career with the Des Moines Public Schools. He completed his M.S degree requirements at Iowa State University in 1964 and completed additional course work at Bemidji State College, Minnesota.

Assignments in the Des Moines Schools included Amos Hiatt Junior High, North High School, central administration and Hoover High School.

Special interests were family gatherings, fish fries and barbecues. Additional interests were travel (3 Alaska trips), Elderhostel’s, fishing, making fishing lures, stained glass, smoke cooking and photography. He also enjoyed flowers and vegetable gardening, wild flowers and making jellies and apple butter.

Water aerobics at the Mercy Wellness Center helped maintain physical conditioning.

Walt was a member of Highland Park Christian Church and national, state and local education associations.

Walt is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances; son, John; brothers, Frank (Hazel), John (Dot), Norbert “Nub”(Nada), and Norris (Jane); and sisters, Josephine (W.W. “Bill”) and Maurine (Bob).

Walt is survived by his daughters, Susan Sinnwell (Bill) of Greeley, CO and Nancy Leiran (Steve) of Waterville, IA; daughter-in-law, Linda Gronert of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, Ben (Tori), Elizabeth (Jake), Hannah (Brian), Lauren (Andy), Megan (Tanner) and Katelyn; and great grandson, Jones.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m.on Monday, October 30, at Caldwell Parrish funeral home, 8201 Hickman Road, Urbandale. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 31, at Highland Park Christian Church, 4260 NW 6th Drive, DSM.  A burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1 at Graceland Cemetery, Creston, Iowa.

Memorials can be directed to Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation or Highland Park Christian Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.