Obituary of Leonard Allen Grew

Leonard Allen Grew, 80, passed away peacefully Sept. 14, 2015 at Franciscan Health Center in Duluth. He had many nicknames to include Head Greens-keeper, Lenny It's-in-the-pond Grew, Leo, One-lung Lenny, Len, and "the Analyzer". Leonard was born Nov. 22, 1934, in Duluth, to Harvey and Alice (Grundstrom) Grew. He earned his living by working in several family businesses. The first was at his grandfathers grocery store in the Woodland area, followed by his fathers family business, Harvey Grew & Son's Sand and Gravel. Leonard also worked several years for Reach All Manufacturing, Del Zotto Manufacturing, Reserve Mining, and served as a reservist in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Leonard then branched out with his son, Scott, and ran L & S Hydraulics. After Leonard retired, he worked for his brother, John, at Rice Lake Small Engines seasonally or as needed, along with other handyman jobs he performed around town. He was an engineer and loved to create and problem-solve, hence his nickname "the Analyzer!" He married Jeanne D. Anderson June 30, 1956 and they raised their family briefly in Silver Bay before moving back to Duluth into the family home of over 50 years. They enjoyed 56 years together prior to the passing of "his Golden Girl" in December of 2011. He enjoyed the four seasons Minnesota offers. Springs were spent fishing, golfing, gardening and landscaping, summers were spent boating, fishing, and camping at "the Lot" on Island Lake where everyone gathered at the river, falls were spent hunting and harvesting apples, and winters were spent snowmobiling and spending time in the woods at the Ruttin' Buck Inn with family and friends. Year round he enjoyed feeding the birds and the numerous deer that roamed the property, often with grandkids at his side. His love for golf resulted in transforming his property into a 6-hole golf course with the assistance of many family members and friends. Leonard and Jean enjoyed hosting many golf parties over the years and it was a true labor of love for them. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jeanne; his parents Harvey and Alice Grew; his father and mother in-law Edgar and Beatrice Anderson; brother Daniel Grew; sister Arlene Cobb; brothers in-law Richard Anderson, Edgar Anderson, Donald Anderson, Ted Archer, and David Churchill, and sister-in-law Norma Carlson. He is survived by his son Scott (Nancy) Grew; daughters Susan (John) Anderson, Sandra (John) Lanphier, and Sharon (Kieth) Montgomery; grandsons Cody Lanphier and Dustin (Tonya) Lanphier, and granddaughters Heather (Chris) Janzig ,and Jessica Montgomery. He will also be missed by his sister Barbara Churchill; brother John (Cheryl) Grew, and by his brothers and sisters in-law Ralph and Vivian Nelson, Kitty Anderson, Nancy Grew, and Lowell Cobb, many nieces, nephews, and grand-dog Dakota who paid a final visit to him on Grandparents day, Sept. 13th. The family wishes to thank the staff at Franciscan Health Center for the compassionate and loving care they provided Leonard during his stay. VISITATION: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. celebration of life service on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 in Family of God Lutheran Church, 4097 Martin Road, Duluth, MN 55803. The family invites everyone to stay for a luncheon immediately following the service. Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200