John F. Grendel Obituary
John Franklin Grendel passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 12, 2025 at the age of 62. John was born in Trenton Michigan and spent his childhood in Dearborn Heights, MI. He was an accomplished athlete at Gabriel Richard High School where he held records for many decades for his accomplishments in Hockey. At an early age, he followed in his father and brothers footsteps and entered into the Elevator business. For decades, John was a leading salesman for Otis Elevator and earned a great reputation for being "one of the best in the business". You couldn't travel with John and not hear him relentlessly share stories on which elevators he sold and installed in the many businesses and homes throughout Michigan. If you were lucky enough to be on one of his "special elevator tours" , then you know how proud he was of his career. He had a passion for the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing & golf, but nothing made him happier than spending time at the family home on Littlefield Lake. That lake brought him joy and was an anchor for his soul. He accomplished many milestones professionally and personally during his life, but his greatest achievement didn't come to him until the age of 42 when he became a father. His three children, Hannah, Owen and Wyatt were his pride and joy and his spirit will live on uniquely in each of them.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Betty & Eugene Grendel and his brother Mike Grendel. He is survived by his children Hannah Champagne Grendel, Owen Eugene Grendel, Wyatt James Grendel and their mother Hope Champagne Grendel. Siblings Sandy Grendel, Greg Grendel, Yvonne Grendel Moulthrop, brother in law Blair Moulthrop and Sister in law Susan Grendel. Nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Grendel, Brooke Trahan, Jesse Grendel, Miles Grendel, Madeline Cerna, Sylvia Moulthrop, Spencer Moulthrop & Wesley Moulthrop. The Grendel family is known to all as one of the most loving and caring families and all of them played an active role in John's life and more importantly in the lives of his children.
John will be remembered by his friends as a guy who was always ready for the next adventure, the guy who always seemed to have "just the right tool at the right time", the guy who would pop over to lend assistance to whatever project was being worked on. Anyone who met him has a Johnny G story that will live on. All who knew and loved him can find comfort in knowing he is finally at peace and he is leaving us with many fond memories to cherish.
Services to honor John's life will be held at Rivertown Funeral Chapel 209 S Huron Road Kawkawlin MI on November 20, 2025 4:00 - 7:00.
