Donald G. Gronau, age 94, of Mattawan, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 2, 2026.

Don was born on February 9, 1931, in Sisseton, Roberts County, South Dakota, to Alma (Heinecke) and Otto Gronau, both of whom preceded him in death. Shortly after his birth, his parents left the hospital during a fierce blizzard. With no visibility, they relied on the family horse—who instinctively knew the way home—to safely guide the sleigh through the storm, a story that became part of family lore and a fitting beginning to a life marked by resilience and quiet determination.

During World War II, Don’s family lived hidden on a Native American reservation in South Dakota due to their German heritage. In later years, the family relocated to Paw Paw, Michigan, where Don attended school.

At just 16 years old, Don left Paw Paw High School to answer the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army. He served 8 years in the Army becoming a paratrooper and medical aidman with the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, and proudly served as a veteran of the Korean War. Don rose to the rank of Sergeant and earned the distinction of Jumpmaster. He was part of the famed regimental combat team known as the “Rakkasans,” a name derived from the Japanese phrase meaning “falling umbrella,” a tribute to their airborne mission. His service included time at Camp Schimmelfinning on Honshu, Japan. On his journey to war, Don survived Typhoon Kasia, and during transport to Korea, mechanical failures forced his troop carrier to dump all gear into the sea. While in Korea, he experienced combat firsthand. He later recalled one battle vividly, when napalm was dropped on a contested hill as planes flew scarcely ten feet overhead. Between missions, Don worked in the ship’s laundry room and later traveled through the Panama Canal—These stories were shared during his Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. in 2018, a journey he cherished deeply.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Don returned home and began his working life at Checker Motors. He later continued his career at General Motors in Kalamazoo, where he worked for many years before retiring in 1988.

Don married the love of his life, Marilyn “Mickey” Dietch, on October 16, 1953. Together, they shared more than 72 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love, hard work, and the outdoors. Don personally built the home they lived in for over six decades—a testament to his skill as a handyman and his tireless work ethic.

An avid outdoorsman, Don found joy in snowmobiling trips with Mickey and their many friends, deer and turkey hunting, fishing, and tending to his meticulously kept gardens, which often looked like scenes from magazines. He and Mickey delighted in feeding the wildlife that visited their property, including birds, fish, snapping turtles, squirrels, deer, geese, and turkeys—many of whom were lovingly named over the years.

Don was the proud father of two sons: Derrick (Lillie Boven) Gronau, and Dane (Joyce) Gronau. Don was a devoted grandfather to Dana (Nicholas) Hudeck and Andrew (Iris) Gronau, and a cherished great-grandfather to Clara Gronau, Bennett Gronau, Alex Hudeck, and Jacob Gronau.

He was the eldest son of seven siblings. He was preceded in death by his son Dane and siblings Erma Neiderbaumer, Juliene Gronau, Laura Rider, Eleanor Gronau, and Marvin Gronau. He is survived by his brother, Ronald “Sonny” Gronau, aunt Lulu Greer as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Don will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, skilled craftsman, and a man who found deep happiness in nature, family, and a life well lived.