Obituary of Frank Grenko

Frank was born in Rathbun, Iowa to Antonia and Anton Grenko on May 8, 1915. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in Lodi on December 22, 2013. The Grenko family moved to Christopher, Illinois then on to Chicago in the late 1930's where Frank lived with his five siblings in their permanent home on Garfield Boulevard. At the onset of World War II, Frank enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. As an officer he commanded bomber refueling stations in North Africa until the war's end, which coincided with his honorable discharge. Frank returned to service at the onset of the Korean War, thus beginning a colorful USAF career spanning 25 years. In 1951, Frank met and married Betty Ann Reimche of Lodi, who had been working at a USAF training facility in Modesto. After Frank returned from Korea, he and Betty led a military career life living in many locales throughout the nation, including their assignment in Washington, D.C. In November 1963, Frank was assigned the duty of lead planner for the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. For his outstanding performance on this assignment, Frank received special recognition from the Secretary of the Air Force. At the conclusion of his career in 1966, Frank retired at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. at the rank of lieutenant colonel. After Frank's retirement, he, Betty and their son Frank Jr. moved to Lodi where they enjoyed international travel, motor homing, camping, and fishing. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, all five siblings, and by his loving wife Betty Ann. Frank is survived by his son, Frank Grenko, Jr.; daughter-in-law Carol Grenko; and grand-daughter, Alexis Grenko, all of Woodbridge, CA. He is also survived by a niece Marianne Grenko-Wintersteen of Lockport, Illinois along with her husband Gary and sons Scott and Ross. The Grenko family wishes to thank all of the doctors and staff who cared for Frank over the years. Special thanks go to the loving and dedicated staffs of Chancellor Place and of Emeritus at Austin Gardens, both of Lodi. Frank's final resting place will be alongside Betty Ann in Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery. Rocha's Mortuary is assisting with the placement and arrangements. There is no visitation and the committal will be private. Please sign the virtual guestbook at www.lodifs.com. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductable donations may be sent in Frank's name to the Memorial Fund at Central West Ballet, 5039 Pentecost Drive, Modesto, CA 95356 www.centralwestballet.org