Wayne H. Greving

Wayne Greving was born on a farm outside of Prairie View, Kansas on October 2, 1928, to his parents Garried and Josie Greving who were children of Dutch immigrants. During his childhood in this humble farm community, his family made their way through the great depression, the dust bowl and countless other struggles with determination and grit. Although their lives were characterized by hardship, their belief in family and their strong faith became the foundation for Wayne’s lifelong values and personality.

He loved the farm, however he left home to earn his degree in business at Central College in Pella, Iowa. It was here that he met his first wife, Beverly Thomassen, and together they moved to Colorado Springs when he enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. Upon honorable discharge as Staff Sergeant in 1955, they returned to Pella to join his father-in-law’s health and beauty aid wholesale business. His success in business grew because of the lasting friendships he nurtured with his customers as he drove his weekly routes to small rural Iowa towns taking orders and making deliveries. Wayne and Beverly made Pella their home with their five children.

By 1966, Wayne and his brother-in-law purchased the business but in 1982 it fell prey to a downturn in economic conditions and they were forced to sell. Investing in his future, Wayne returned to school to advance his knowledge of business and computers. Employment with Pella Corporation followed where he retired from the employee benefits department in 1996.

In 1975, he married Delores De Vries of Pella, Iowa and successfully introduced their love for each other into Wayne’s established family. Wayne and Dee became pillars in their neighborhood, community and in their church; not as leaders, but as welcoming friends, caring neighbors and strong role-models. There are generations of people that describe Wayne as a father figure and countless friends who knew him as a caring and quiet listener as well as an incredible baker and ice cream maker. He cherished the birth of each grandchild and great grandchild and looked forward to spending time with them. Also visits with his extended family were special. His family will miss his ornery smile, his un-asked-for advice and his warm hug.

He loved to minister to others through his singing. At the time of his death, he was a faithful member of Third Reformed Church of Pella. Planning trips for the seniors of the church for ten years was a highlight.

Wayne is survived by his wife Dee Greving and his four living children:

Steve & Leah Greving of Mexico and their children:

           Aaron Greving of Ames, Iowa and his son Matthew

           Nathan & Megan Greving of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee and their children Gracie & Livvy

Thom Greving & Lance Carlson of Venice, California

Cindy & John Ritsema of Pella, Iowa and her children:

            Ryan & Nichole Vos of Pella, Iowa and their children Eli & Audrey

            Zachary & Tiana Vos of Clarksville, Tennessee

David & Carol Greving of Pella, Iowa and their children:

            Eric & Harini Greving of Pleasant Hill, Iowa and their son, Ashoka

            Rachel & Mack Van Zante of Altoona, Iowa and their children Hayden & Lucas

Wayne is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Greving, of Central City, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garried and Josie Greving, and his siblings and spouses; Ila & Dick DeWitt, Marjorie & Paul Tanis and Leland Greving; his parents-in-law Will & Johanna De Vries; and his son, Bruce Greving.

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