Orin P Gronau

Orin P. Gronau

Orin P. Gronau, 62, of Girard, died at 11:34 p.m. Tuesday (July 31, 2007) at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born on May 2, 1945, in Newton to Joe A. and Thelma Jeneva (Gaines) Gronau. He grew up and attended schools in Whitewater. He married Kathleen F. "Kathy" Manning on Aug. 25, 1965, in Newton. She survives at home. During the Vietnam Conflict, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served from 1963 until 1967. He was trained in photography in the Air Force and was the photographer for PSU from 1967 to 1972, when he opened Gronau's Photography in Pittsburg. He was a leading wedding photographer in the Pittsburg area from 1972 to 1991. In 1991, he retired and sold his business to follow his dream of driving truck. He first worked hauling livestock. He later drove for Jakes fireworks; there, he became good friends with his boss, a former wedding picture client.

He was an active member and trustee at Crossroads Baptist Church in Girard, past president of the Wagon Wheels Square Dance Club, an active 4-H leader, and he was the Crawford County Fair photographer.

Survivors include sons, Scott M. Gronau and Michael J. Gronau, both of Girard; seven grandchildren; brothers, Cline Gronau of Newton and Glen Gronau of Whitewater; a sister, June L. Young of Halstead; and his mother-in-law, Geneva Manning of Newton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; and his father-in-law, Byron Manning.

Service will be at 11 a.m. today at Crossroads Baptist Church in rural Girard with Pastor Mike Buckamneer officiating. Burial will be in the Union Center Cemetery with military honors conducted by the George C. Brown Post No. 26, American Legion and the Steven Bennefeld Post No. 7479, Veterans of Foreign Wars, both of Girard.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads Baptist Church and to Harry Hynes Hospice in care of Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W. St. John, P.O. Box 258, Girard, KS 66743.