Lerane Oren Grimminger

Lerane Oren Grimminger (“Junior”), a life-long resident of Paris, Stark County, Ohio, died on April 8, 2023 at his home in Paris. He was born on March 21, 1938 to Lerane Bower Grimminger and Jennie McCallan Grimminger, who bought the historic Julliard Farm, just west of the village of Paris, in 1940. His Pennsylvania Dutch and Welsh-Scottish roots meant a lot to him.

In 1968, he married Charlene Kay Lutz and they had two children, Daniel and Michael. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Brandon Grimminger, Justus Grimminger, and Julia Grimminger, who he enjoyed at every opportunity. Together as a family, with support and love for each other, they navigated the joys and challenges of life. His other family includes an aunt (Elsie Kiko), sister (Clarabelle Dietrich), niece and husband (Denise and Bob Scott), and sister-in-law and husband (Joy and Bill Armstrong). He also cherished his cousins and many friends.

During the 1960’s Junior was drafted and served in the United States Army in Heilbronn, Germany. He saw much of Germany on foot and was fond of talking about seeing the largest church steeple in the world at the Ulm Muenster Cathedral, taking furlough in Berchtesgaden, and sailing into the port at Bremerhaven. As much as he was proud to serve, he was even happier to come back to the United States to help his dad on the family farm.

Junior was a true vocational farmer. At one point he had one of the top dairy herds in Stark County, and there was never anything that he wanted to do for a living other than farming. He also enjoyed gardening and taking trips to Amish Country. He was a lover of good food (especially pie), children, animals, and the occasional practical joke. He was generous  and valued human relationships over money and recognition.

Junior was made a child of God in the saving waters of Baptism. In recent years, he attended the Lutheran churches where his son served as pastor, but earlier in life he went to the Assembly of God Church in Louisville, and the Israel United Church of Christ in Paris.

The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice and the Dover Office director, Katie Brenner, as well as the ICU nurse, Jackie Parr, who made it possible for Junior to return home despite obstacles placed in the way by clinicians at Aultman Hospital.  

A funeral service with Holy Communion will take place at Israel United Church of Christ at 12583 Lisbon St. N.E., Paris, Ohio 44669, on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 3 P.M., with Pastor Daniel Grimminger, Ph.D., officiating. Pastors William Kremer and Jayme Gandee will serve as assisting ministers, and Dr. W. Robert Morrison will serve as organist. A funeral dinner will be held in the church basement following the liturgy. All are welcome. A private burial will take place on a later date. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.