Judith "Judy" Ann (Begick) Gronewold

Judith Ann “Judy” Gronewold, 85, died July 18, 2022, in the Detroit metro area, surrounded by her four children.

She was born September 7, 1936, the daughter of George and Esther (Streb) Begick in Saginaw.

She graduated from East Lansing High School in 1954 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Michigan State University in 1958. As a student, Judy was a member of Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity  and she travelled to Pasadena to see Michigan State win the Rose Bowl in 1956.

She moved to Battle Creek after graduation and worked as Editorial Assistant at Post, where she published The Post Box for four years. On December 3, 1960, she married Robert J. “Bob” Gronewold at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lansing. She is survived by four children, Ann Percy (Bobby Dowd) of Troy, Peggy Harding (Tom) of Beverly Hills, Steve Gronewold of Mason, and Laura Gronewold (Chad Blair) of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren, Jack and Allison Percy; Elizabeth and Christopher Dowd; Esther Seawell; Caroline, Priscilla, and Elizabeth Harding; Courtney and Kelsey Gronewold; Jessica Brown; and Edwin Blair.

Judy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and had been a Deacon, and she worked as the Facilities Coordinator for many years. She served as President of the Junior League, volunteered with Leila Auxiliary and Leila Follies, and participated actively as a Balloon Festival volunteer. She supported women and education as a member of local chapters of AAUW (American Association of University Women) and International Chapter of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) Sisterhood. She served on the PTA, as a room mother, and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader in her children’s schools. As a longtime member of Battle Creek Country Club, Judy was active in tennis and golf leagues. She loved playing bridge and was a member of multiple bridge clubs over the years. She was an active supporter of the Battle Creek Art Center and a season ticket holder at the Barn Theater for over 30 years. But her greatest love of all (after her kids and grandkids) was Michigan State sports! She was a lifetime member of MSU Alumni Association and attended upwards of 500 games throughout her life.

Judy brought a sense of curiosity, wonder, and joy to life and she loved her Battle Creek community. She gave to many causes and will be dearly missed.

Visitation for Judy will take place on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 5:00 – 8:00 pm at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, Michigan 49015. The funeral service will take place on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, 111 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, Michigan 49017. Pastor Mike Wicks officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek 111 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017, The Art Center of Battle Creek 265 E. Emmett St., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the Barn Theatre 13351 West M-96, Augusta, MI 49012.

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.