Don Allen Gruenewald, 74, of Calloway County died Feb. 2, 2025. Mr. Gruenewald was a 1970 graduate of Fox High School where he was student body president and lettered in football, basketball and track. He attended Central Methodist College in Fayette where he played football and rugby and graduated with a bachelor of science in elementary and physical education in 1974, followed by a master of arts in elementary administration. He met his wife at Central Methodist College, and they had their first date on her birthday. He worked for Fox C-6 School District for 31 years as a teacher, mentor and for 17 years as principal before his retirement. He coached several sports including the Fox High School girls’ varsity basketball team, earning the first-ever district title in 1989. After his retirement, Mr. Gruenewald was a member of St. Mark United Church of Christ in Arnold. He also volunteered for the Missouri United Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the Missouri United Methodist Church Trustees for 10 years. In 2024, he was awarded the Ernest M. Funk Award of Christian Merit and the United Women in Faith Special Recognition Award for his dedication and service. He also worked part-time as event staff at Mizzou athletic events, Shryock’s Corn Maze and Borgelt Farms where he organized and mowed the farms. He enjoyed working outside and tending to his lawn. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and laughter and the stories he shared with his family and friends. Born Feb. 1, 1951, he was the son of the late Viola and Gerald Gruenewald.
He is survived by his wife: Jean Borgelt Gruenewald, whom he married on April 17, 1976; two daughters: Kate (Bob) Nolte and Kara Gruenewald; a brother: Bob (Candy) Gruenewald; three brothers: Frank Burch, Steve Borgelt and Dave Borgelt; four nieces: Debbie (Lorin) Rivers, Brenda Austin, Heather (Patrick) Schwalbe and Lindsay Gruenewald; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister: Judy Burch.
Visitation is scheduled from 1 p.m. until a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at Missouri United Methodist Church. Those unable to attend can view the livestream of the service at the MUMC YouTube page, youtube.com/@MissouriUMC/streams. Memorials may be made to the Don Gruenewald Memorial Fund at the Missouri United Methodist Church, 204, S. Ninth St., Columbia, 65201. The family would like to thank the staff at Phoenix Home Health and Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service and Crematory in Columbia.