Alexander John “Alex” Grenke
March 9th, 1990 - March 25th, 2022
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Alex's Obituary
Alexander J. "Alex" Grenke, 32, formerly of St. Joseph, MI, died unexpectedly at his home in Indianapolis, IN, from a heart condition on Friday, March 25, 2022. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 9 at 4 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Friends may visit with the family from 1 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Alex was born on March 9, 1990, in St. Joseph, to Jeffrey Grenke and Kimberly (Carroll) Gillette. He had a beautiful soul and fiercely loved his family, friends, and animals from the time he was a small child. That love towards everyone, and everything, continued as he grew to be a fully formed god of thunder.
Alex was very active in sports growing up. He was a pitcher with a great fastball, a quarterback with an intimidating right arm, and a point guard who could always find the open man. He grew up on the St. Joseph River and Silver Beach; Alex loved the water and the sun. His golden blonde hair glinted every summer on the beach. He knew how important it was to enjoy life and all the blessings we have.
Additionally, Alex showed his numerous pets at the Berrien County Youth Fair, including gerbils, dogs, cats, and horses. Alex had an amazing sense of humor and could always make the people around him laugh, no matter what the situation was.
His senior year the Bears were runner up at the state finals in football as he played defensive end. Alex graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2008 and continued his education at Grand Valley State University. In Grand Rapids he earned a degree in Business and cemented lifelong friendships.
He moved from Grand Rapids to Indianapolis in 2016, for a job in sales and marketing. Alex continued his passion for sports as a diehard fan of Detroit teams; he was an eternal optimist who knew the Lions would turn it around… someday.
His friends loved having him in their lives and he brought out the best in people. He always gave the best bear hugs to his mother. Alex loved spending time with his father talking about classic cars. He loved exploring the ravines of West Michigan with his brother and he was a trusted ally to his sister-in-law. His humor, kindness, and selflessness will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Alex is survived by his mother, Kim (Scott) Gillette of Coeur d’Alene, ID; father, Jeff Grenke of Warren; brother, Nicholas (Rheila) Grenke of Kalamazoo; grandmother, Sally Carroll; aunts & uncles, Lori (Ian) Comly and Joy (Leon) Savenas; cousins, Grant Comly and Connor Savenas; His loving dog, Thor; and many dear and close friends. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Christopher Comly; and grandparents, Leslie Carroll and Marvin and Phyllis Grenke.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paws of Hope, P.O. Box 13, Stevensville, MI 49127, Berrien County 4-H Foundation, 1737 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, or The American Heart Association - West Michigan, 3940 Peninsular Dr SE, Suite 180, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 . Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Alex was born on March 9, 1990, in St. Joseph, to Jeffrey Grenke and Kimberly (Carroll) Gillette. He had a beautiful soul and fiercely loved his family, friends, and animals from the time he was a small child. That love towards everyone, and everything, continued as he grew to be a fully formed god of thunder.
Alex was very active in sports growing up. He was a pitcher with a great fastball, a quarterback with an intimidating right arm, and a point guard who could always find the open man. He grew up on the St. Joseph River and Silver Beach; Alex loved the water and the sun. His golden blonde hair glinted every summer on the beach. He knew how important it was to enjoy life and all the blessings we have.
Additionally, Alex showed his numerous pets at the Berrien County Youth Fair, including gerbils, dogs, cats, and horses. Alex had an amazing sense of humor and could always make the people around him laugh, no matter what the situation was.
His senior year the Bears were runner up at the state finals in football as he played defensive end. Alex graduated from St. Joseph High School in 2008 and continued his education at Grand Valley State University. In Grand Rapids he earned a degree in Business and cemented lifelong friendships.
He moved from Grand Rapids to Indianapolis in 2016, for a job in sales and marketing. Alex continued his passion for sports as a diehard fan of Detroit teams; he was an eternal optimist who knew the Lions would turn it around… someday.
His friends loved having him in their lives and he brought out the best in people. He always gave the best bear hugs to his mother. Alex loved spending time with his father talking about classic cars. He loved exploring the ravines of West Michigan with his brother and he was a trusted ally to his sister-in-law. His humor, kindness, and selflessness will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Alex is survived by his mother, Kim (Scott) Gillette of Coeur d’Alene, ID; father, Jeff Grenke of Warren; brother, Nicholas (Rheila) Grenke of Kalamazoo; grandmother, Sally Carroll; aunts & uncles, Lori (Ian) Comly and Joy (Leon) Savenas; cousins, Grant Comly and Connor Savenas; His loving dog, Thor; and many dear and close friends. He was preceded in death by his cousin, Christopher Comly; and grandparents, Leslie Carroll and Marvin and Phyllis Grenke.
Memorial contributions may be made to Paws of Hope, P.O. Box 13, Stevensville, MI 49127, Berrien County 4-H Foundation, 1737 Hillandale Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, or The American Heart Association - West Michigan, 3940 Peninsular Dr SE, Suite 180, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 . Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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