Obituary of Delford T. Gronholz

Long-time Saginaw resident and beloved husband, father and grandfather, Delford (Del) T. Gronholz passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, November 24, 2017 at his apartment at Shattuck Manor. He was 95 years old. Del was born in 1922 in Courtland, MN to George & Hilda Gronholz. His childhood was spent on farms in Minnesota and South Dakota. He attended Dakota Wesleyan University for one year where one of his classmates was George McGovern. He left college to enlist in the Navy and spent 16 months stationed in the Caribbean. Following that, he was sent to officer's training school at Western Michigan University and later transferred to the University of Michigan for a year. When the war ended he returned to Western Michigan University where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree. While at Western Michigan University, he met his wife to be Virginia Phillips. They were married on June 26, 1948 and had two daughters, Jill and Jan. Del was a man of many interests and talents and liked to be busy. He was always willing to learn and try something new. During his working life he had many jobs including working as a tree surgeon for Davey Tree company, farming, being a pharmaceutical representative for Upjohn, being an appliance salesman for Maytag, being a salesman for Dow Chemical Company, being Vice President of the Mortgage Department for Saginaw Savings, being a Realtor and Real Estate Developer, President of Landmark Savings and Loan (he started the first stock owned savings and loan in the state of Michigan) and Real Estate Appraiser. After retiring from the Savings and Loan business he continued Del's Appraisal business where he worked until his final retirement at the age of 84. Del's motto was "there's no such thing as too much hard work". Del is survived by his wife of 69 years Virginia, his daughters Jill and Jan, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his brother George Jr. and his sister Mavis. His wife remembers Del as a loving, caring, fun and encouraging life partner. His daughters remember him as a devoted father who was always there for his girls. His grandchildren remember him as incredibly supportive, encouraging and instrumental in helping them pursue their goals in life. He wanted nothing more than to make a difference in his loved ones lives. Funeral services will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. Visitation for family and friends will be from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. the same day, before the funeral. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Welllspring Lutheran Services or Wellspring Hospice.