In Memory of LaWayne Gronau

LaWayne Gronau, age 80, of Schleswig, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the United Church of Christ of Schleswig, Iowa. Kirk Manchester, Lay Leader will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Morgan Township Cemetery of Schleswig, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by the Schleswig Post No. 0645 of the American Legion and the VFW Post No. 3930 of Schleswig, Iowa.

 A Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the United Church of Christ of Schleswig, Iowa.

In honor of LaWayne’s life and service, memorials may be directed to his family and will be used to benefit the community he so faithfully served.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

LaWayne Dean Gronau was born on August 1, 1945, in Battle Creek, Iowa, the son of Eldred W. and Marcella K. (Miller) Gronau. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Grant Trinity Lutheran Church in Ida County, Iowa. LaWayne graduated from Schleswig High School in 1963 and went on to study at the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

In 1967, LaWayne was drafted into the U.S. Army and served overseas in Vietnam as a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division. A dedicated patriot, he was a lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW ) #3930 and the American Legion of Schleswig Post #0645, where he served in many leadership roles including Commander, Adjutant, Quartermaster, Trustee, and Color Guard member.

On June 22, 1968, LaWayne married the love of his life, Pamela Buffum, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. Together, they were blessed with two children, Shari and Layne.

After completing his military service in 1969, LaWayne and Pam moved to Omaha, Nebraska. There, he worked as a computer programmer at First National Bank, St. Joseph Hospital, and Blue Cross. In 1974, the family returned to Ida Grove, where LaWayne joined his father in farming.

LaWayne began a 33 year-long career with Farmers Mutual Insurance Association in 1983, and was voted onto the Board Directors where he later served as President of the Board for three years. He also served as a relief mail carrier in Kiron, Ida Grove, and Schleswig, and as a substitute school bus driver for Schleswig Community Schools. LaWayne was deeply involved in his community. He was appointed as a Trustee for Grant Township in 1984, LaWayne’s dedication to service continued in many roles. He was a charter member of the local Jaycees (President in 1980), Secretary of the Community Club, Director of the local golf course, a member of the United Church of Christ Church Council (secretary) and the Christian Service Fund. He also volunteered as a driver for veterans to the VA Hospital and drove the CCMH van in Denison.

LaWayne retired as a Staff Sergeant from the Iowa Army National Guard in Denison in 1999, after more than 20 years of honorable service. He retired from the insurance industry in 2011 but remained on the Board of Directors until 2016. In 2020, he was appointed to the Veterans Administration Commission of Crawford County.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, LaWayne’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. In 2016, LaWayne and Pam moved from their farm home to a new home on the Schleswig golf course. A lifelong New York Yankees fan, he also cheered passionately for the Schleswig Hawks and Denison Monarchs, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing.

LaWayne enjoyed playing cards with close friends in two card clubs and looked forward to golfing with the “Monday Seniors” and in tournaments alongside his longtime teammates Gronau, Sailer, and Lee. A highlight of his later years was traveling to Washington, D.C. with the Honor Flight in 2017.

LaWayne passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at the age of 80. He leaves behind a legacy of service, community, faith, and love.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Pam; daughter Shari Thies of Clive; son Layne (Cindy) Gronau of Waukee; and five beloved grandchildren: Brittani (Patrick) Briggle, Brady Thies, Brinkley (Dylan) Beeck, Finley Gronau, and Hayden Gronau; step grandchildren: Oliva (Matt) Hickcox, Elenora and Lillian, and Sam Novak. He is also survived by his sister Janice Siebe; nieces KLynn, Kelli, Amy, and Brooke; sister-in-law Janet Lafrentz; and many extended family members and friends.

LaWayne was preceded in death by his parents, Eldred W. and Marcella K. Gronau, and his brother-in-law Kevin Lafrentz.

LaWayne’s life was a true testament to dedication, community, and leadership. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.