Russ Grewe
June 09, 1962 - November 15, 2019
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Obituary For Russ Grewe
On Friday, November 15, 2019, Russell “Russ” Craig Grewe, a devoted husband and father, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57.
Born June 9, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio to Francis “Bill” and Bette Grewe, Russ earned a master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Wright State University. He worked domestically and internationally innovating, designing and implementing engineering software and hardware solutions. A Buckeye at heart, but for the last thirty years, Russ and his family have called Raleigh, North Carolina home.
Russ is survived by his wife of 27 years, Wendy (Donlin) Grewe and their three sons, Kyle, Nicholas “Nico”, and Joshua. In addition, he leaves behind the newest family member Coco, a sweet black Lab. Russ’ world centered around his boys, instilling in each of them the importance of hard work, always doing things the right way, keeping your word, and helping others. Russ cherished time with his family, including coaching and playing competitive sports with his sons. Himself an athlete, Russ was a bodybuilder, enjoyed fly fishing and played competitive tennis and watersports.
Weekends were filled with sports – either watching or playing football, baseball, tennis or soccer. In the summer, Russ and his family could be found on the lake – boating, fishing and water skiing. In recent years, every Friday night Russ and Josh shared a “Nacho Friday” dinner together.
In the words of his sons: our dad always put others before himself; he was humble; he wanted those around him to be happy – and usually was the one providing the comic relief; he didn’t know a stranger; and he didn’t take things too seriously.
Russ is survived by his mother, Bette; eight siblings, David (Charlotte) Grewe, Barb (Chuck) Marzullo, Karen Clark, Jean (David) Krebs, Greg (Debbie) Grewe, Jeff (Vicki) Grewe, Mary (Mark) Pierson, Tim Grewe; mother-in-law, Juanita Donlin; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill; and three siblings, Janice Grewe, Brian Grewe, and Roger Grewe.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/donatenow_heart.html
Services
Visitation
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Funeral Service
10:30 AM
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Condolences
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September 01, 2020
I just found out this morning and I'm so sorry for your loss! I saw Russ a few weeks ago at the bagel shop and as always it was like we were best friends, but that was Russ, always smiling and so friendly. What a fantastic guy.....our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time! Please call on us to help out in any way we can. Harrison, Landon and Weston Jerry Clayton 919.538.6452
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September 01, 2020
I met Russ when I was still in high school through my brother Mike Cloud who met him at Wright State. What a great guy - "Russel the Muscle" we used to call him. Gone way too soon. My condolences to the entire family.
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September 01, 2020
Just found out about the tragic loss of your Dad and husband. I would have attended had I known. Russ was an outstanding man and mentor to many. He will definitley be missed! He was so proud of you boys, know that! Prayers for you and yours! Love, The Howard Moody Family (MaryFrances, Michaela, Matthew and Michael)
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September 01, 2020
Russ and I were good friends during our college days, but it has been many years since our paths have crossed. The most lasting memory I have of Russ is when he decided to join a group of us that were learning to skydive. He reasoned that it would help him beat his fear of heights and flying at the same time. The plane we jumped out of was very small, just room in the back for the jump master, Russ, Chris Moyer and myself. We intentionally put Russ at the door, because he knew if he didn't jump we would all have to land because there was not room for us to get around him. I can still vividly remember just how big his eyes got when the door opened at 3500 feet and it was time to go. He made the jump and could not have been happier once he was on the ground. I'm happy to believe he faced all of his fears in life the same way - head on. He is gone far too soon. Woody Willis
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September 01, 2020
So sad to hear the terrible news. He was one of my best friends from grade school through college and I'll always cherish the great times we had together. He was so much fun to be around and always full of life. My prayers go out to his family because he will surely be missed. Mark Bertolo
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September 01, 2020
Many fond memories of Rusty at Immaculate Conception, Prayers to the family,so sorry for your loss. Steve Christie
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September 01, 2020
Wendy, Words seem so inadequate at a time like this. My hearts hurts for you and your family. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.May God hold you in the palm of his hand. Vera Searcy, JTEKT NA, Regional Office
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Russ Grewe
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September 01, 2020
Lit a candle in memory of Russ Grewe
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September 01, 2020
I got a call this morning from a co-worker who also knew Russ and was informed of this news. As I sit here several hours later I am still in shock. While I had not seen Russ in a few years, I always considered him one of my best friends, if not my best. We met at Wright State and along with Jerry Birbal, we were the original 3 Amigos. An epic beach volleyball summer, many good times in the Oregon District in its hey day, weekends skiing at Lake Cumberland (and houseboat trips), lifting with him at 6 AM at Moore's Nautilus...the list goes on and on. When I moved to California in 1988, Russ was my first and most frequent visitor. After his sister Janice and his brother Brian died, Russ came out and spent about 3 weeks out there looking for answers and we talked for hours and hours over that time. Shortly after this lowest point in his life, Russ met the love of his life, Wendy and the rest is history. After I got married and Russ and his family moved to North Carolina, we did not see each other as much. Even after he moved, he would still call my Mom on the phone to talk with her as she truly loved him. The last time I saw him was at a get together at Marion's Pizza off of 741 a few years ago. Russ was pure Russ and it was great catching up with he and Wendy. I don't have the words to express what I am feeling right now. I just wish we had one more ride in his Sprite with the top off and "Danger Zone" blaring on his stereo.... Wendy, all of my love to you, Kyle, Nico and Josh and you have my deepest condolences. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
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September 01, 2020
There aren't any words to describe feelings that everyone who knew Russ must have at this time. Russ was there when I married his sister, and there when we played ball in the yard. He has grown since our last visit, but I will always remember is honesty and loyalty. I also thought Russ had the largest Smurf collection in all Ohio and he was so proud to show them with his infectious smile. Having the love from so many, Russ has lived his life with great dignity and respect. I know how proud he has made others to be a part of his Life. Rest in Peace and God Bless You. Owen T. Clarke, Jr.
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September 01, 2020
We met our neighbor Russ about 10 months ago, when he was walking around the back path with the cutest black lab ever, and our Golden Retriever, Carter, spotted her. They soon became best friends, and loved playing with each other everytime Russ brought her for a walk. When Russ had his hip surgeries, Josh stepped in to bring Coco out to play. Soon my son Riley started bringing Carter out, and Josh and Riley now have a friendship bonding over our sweet and energy-filled puppies! Russ would join the two boys occasionally during their evening playdates. To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you, Russ, for bringing Coco into Carter's life. Thank you for the conversations from physics to dog training. And thank you for introducing your kind son Josh to my sons. May your family find peace during this difficult time.
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September 01, 2020
I just found out about this tragic loss! My deep deep sympathies go out to the Grewe family, the wonderful boys and his wife! I remember his teaming up w Mike Cahall to form the great doubles legion for a few years, beating everyone down!! Lifetime memories. He is missed!!
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September 01, 2020
I knew Russ through work while he was still in school at Wright State and then during the first years of his career. He played softball with us on Sunday evenings during that time and nobody could believe he hit the ball like he did (the other team couldn't see the ball coming out of the sky so they usually dropped it :-)). I always remembered those days as special for both working with him and playing the games (and then there was that bowling ball he gave me because he thought I needed help...:-)) Prayers are with you all, Al & Ruth Hoffman
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September 01, 2020
Wendy, Kyle, Nico, Josh and the rest of Russs family and friends: Russ will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was my best friend and we spent many hours on the tennis court and having lunch together with the boys. Those are some of the best memories and I have the entire family in my thoughts and prayers. May God rest his soul. Mike Cahall and Jean Radke.
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September 01, 2020
To the Grewe family, my condolences for Rustys passing. Memories of epic tennis matches at Belmont Park during our high school years with Rusty, Jeff, and Marvin Miller, probably the best tennis I ever played in my life, and spending our last dollars on gas money to water ski at Eastwood Lake and Caesars Creek with Jeffs boat dragging Rusty forever because the motor had barely enough horse power to pull Rusty out of the water. Peace be with all of you. Clay and Jane Runck, Dacula, GA
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September 01, 2020
Aunt Bette, Barbara, and all the Grewe cousins I would like to express my condolences on the death of your Brother\son. Wish I could have met him Im sure he was a very good person. A Special prayer the Divine Mercy chaplet will be said for him. RIP Jim Karen Smithey
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September 01, 2020
Wendy and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Know that your JTEKT family has been thinking and praying for all of you! Let us know what we can do to support you. Wendy, you are well loved!
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September 01, 2020
Wendy, Joe and I are saddened by the news. We are so sorry. We did not know Russ but from other postings he seems like he was a wonderful man and will surely be missed. We are thinking of you and your family during this sad time. Cindy and Joe Ferdelman
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September 01, 2020
Wendy, My heart goes out to you and you family. I only know you through the few times we have discussed work matters but I do want you to know that my thoughts and especially prayers are being sent to help give you the strength to get through this very painful time. Steve Brooks JTEKT Plymouth
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