Robert J. Grignon

Robert (Bob) John Grignon, 74, of De Pere, died in the early morning of Oct. 14, 2020, in the loving arms of his wife. Bob was born on New Year’s Day 1946 to the late Jerome and Sunday (Tourtillott) Grignon in Shawano. He grew up on the Menominee Reservation in Neopit with his many siblings, family, and friends.

In 1970, Bob married Mary Pat Kroner who proceeded him in death on June 20, 1995. A blind date on July 5, 1996, led to Bob marrying Arleen (Van Lanen/Koenig) Grignon on Jan. 2, 1999. Combining their two families made for wonderful, not to mention noisy, family get-togethers and holidays. Bob loved every second of it.

Bob furthered his education at St. Norbert College at which time he joined ROTC and continued as first lieutenant MP with the Army Reserve being honorably discharged after eight years. Bob enjoyed his 31-plus year career working for IBM, retiring in 2002 with the title of large systems network specialist. Though most of us never understood what he did, his numerous awards and commendations confirmed that he was great at it.

Bob’s athleticism became apparent playing basketball in third grade. Years later, this skill resulted in a scholarship to St. Norbert College where he made many lifelong friends. Bob was also quarterback at Shawano High School, played baseball in several leagues and, in retirement, became a certified golf instructor at Hilly Haven Golf Course for 13 years. Bob was honored to become a three-sport inductee into the Shawano High School Hall of Fame in 1999.

Bob was also a natural born mentor and teacher. Whether it was through volunteering at schools teaching math and educating youth about engineering, through his work at IBM, as a golf instructor or gently guiding his grandchildren, he made it fun to learn, giving positive feedback and always with a smile and a story.

Bob’s greatest teachings took place after he suffered a severe stroke nearly four years ago. His wit and positive attitude served him well through this most difficult of recoveries. Our children and grandchildren will always have memories of him pushing forward against the odds using his faith and love for all of us as his motivation.

Bob loved his family very much, and we certainly loved him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Arleen; children, Michele Grignon, Chandler, Arizona, and Beau (Holly) Grignon, Verona; stepchildren, Gregg (Danelle) Koenig, De Pere, and Kelly (Jason) Benzschawel, De Pere; son-in-law Rob Braender, Tempe, Arizona; grandchildren: Alexandra Braender, Morgan and Tre’ Grignon, Jessica (Nate Poellet) Koenig, Beau Koenig, Addison and Julian Benzschawel; siblings, Sharon Waupoose and Mary Claire Grignon, Neopit; in-laws, Marianne Gibbons, Green Bay, Carol (Bill) Felber, Winter Haven, Florida, and Sharon Van Lanen, Green Bay.

Bob is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Bob was preceded in death by siblings, James Grignon, Jerry Lee Grignon, Connie Waupoose, Joan Waukau, Guy Grignon, Jerilyn Grignon, Dana Grignon, Carol Warrington, Michelle Grignon and Stanley Grignon; in-laws, Norb and Doris Kroner and Minnie Van Lanen; brothers-in-law, Irwin Waupoose, Gordon Waupoose, Orman (Pam) Waukau, James Van Lanen; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Grignon.

Family and friends may gather on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020, from 4-7 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere. Visitation will continue Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview (De Pere) from 10 a.m. until the memorial Mass at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Michael Ingold officiating. Due to current COVID-19 concerns, those in attendance are asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Those who are not able to attend are welcomed to watch the livestream on the Cotter Funeral Home Facebook page.

To Bob’s many doctors, nurses, therapists, CNAs, Rennes Skilled Nursing Home, Unity Hospice, family, friends and neighbors, there are not enough ways to say thank you for your care, compassion, support, love and prayers. Our family is forever grateful.