Robert Charles Grigereit

Robert Charles Grigereit, born June 11, 1936, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the Orchard Creek Support Care facility on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. Bob dedicated over 40 years of his life to serving as a minister for the Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist Churches. He touched countless lives in Ludington (where his two sons were born), Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Garden City, and Midland. Bob was a proud graduate of Benton Harbor High School. He also graduated from Michigan State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree and graduated with honors from the ROTC Program. He served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. He then completed his seminary training at Garrett / ETS and received a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Drew University.

After retiring, Bob and his beloved wife of 63 years, Carolyn Grace, settled into their dream home on south Lake Leelanau, near Traverse City, Michigan. This home, which Bob helped build, became an integral part of the extended family’s bond, filled with happy days of boating, fishing, badminton and family dinners.

In retirement, Bob continued his ministry by serving the Northport Indian Mission church and leading several mission trips to Haiti and hurricane recovery sites. Bob served as a dishwasher in the Outreach Program at Central United Methodist Church for many years and as leader of the men’s group. He had a deep love for the outdoors, especially Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he spent over 1936 ~ 2024

50 years hunting at a small cabin in Sidnaw. Bob battled Alzheimer’s disease for more than 13 years, with Carolyn caring for him until she was forced to place him in a nursing care facility after dislocating her hip in November.

On August 6, 1961, Bob married the love of his life, Carolyn Grace (Higley). He was known for his tremendous sense of humor and his unwavering dedication to helping and loving others. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; his devoted sons, David Grigereit (Bernice) and Mark Grigereit (Dawn); his precious grandchildren, Hailey Burrell (Tom), Lauren Grigereit, Nathan Grigereit, Kevin Grigereit, and Steven Grigereit; his adorable great-granddaughter, Ellie Burrell; many nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, Leonard Higley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Seth and Mary Grigereit (Brown); his sisters, Elinor Gard (Ray) and Betty Grigereit; his sister-in-law, Carole Higley; and his nephew, Dan Higley.

We will be celebrating Bob’s life on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St, Traverse City, Michigan 49684.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00 AM, and a luncheon will take place immediately after the service in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Central Outreach Ministries or Hospice of Michigan.

Robert’s legacy of love, faith, and service will be cherished by all who knew him.