Claus Gronwaldt, age 94, husband of The late Janet T. (Theobald) Gronwaldt, of Hawley, PA, formerly of Audubon, PA, died Thursday, November 9, 2017 in the Neighborhood Hospice, West Chester, PA. Born on October 26, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late George and Ella (Dickinson) Gronwaldt. He attended Honesdale High School and graduated with an Associates Degree in Drafting from Williamsport Technical College. A WWII veteran, he served for the U.S. Army Air Corp for three years, including 18 months in the European Theatre. Mr. Gronwaldt worked as a Machinist for Philadelphia Gear Corp. for over 30 years before retiring in 1987. He continued his passion for driving by working as a courier for Blue Streak until 2000.
Claus never met a stranger. He organized almost monthly parties at the homes he shared with his beloved Janet in Gibbsboro, NJ; Audubon, PA; and Hawley, PA. He had a passion for volunteerism in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and his local Lutheran Church. His favorite hobby was woodworking, making cradles and rocking horses for each of his grandkids; and creating quirky holiday themed animals that none of us had the heart to throw out. His stories from WWII with buddies Sisbaro, Beckermann, Peek, Clancy and a host of others, were told perhaps hundreds of times, but we never tired of hearing them. His exploits in and around Honesdale and Cherry Ridge were legendary with Bodie, Conklin, Kigler, Theobalds, Ives, and many more friends lost to time. Marrying Janet really settled him down, somewhat.
Claus is survived by Two Sons, Robert C., husband of Janet Gronwaldt of Eureka Springs, AR, Eric G., husband of Donna Gronwaldt of Audubon, PA; Five Grandchildren, Megan Gronwaldt, Amanda Gronwaldt, Sarah Gronwaldt, Kevin Gronwaldt, Niclaus Gronwaldt, Jacob Gronwaldt; He was preceded in death by Brother, G. Stewart Gronwaldt.
Graveside Funeral Services and burial will be held privately in the Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Upper Makefield Township, in Bucks County, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (https://www.vfw.org) or The American Legion (https://www.legion.org). Condolences may be made by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.