James L. Grienke

December 23, 1928 - December 31, 2020

James L. Grienke, age 92, of Alta, Iowa died Thursday, December 31, 2020 at MercyOne in Sioux City, Iowa as the result of a power outage. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta where masks will be required. We encourage you to watch the live stream of the service, please click the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82763684025?pwd=TzZPcE9xUlRjc3ZROG1XMjFYQWN4UT09 and enter the password: funeral. Burial will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta. Visitation will take place Monday, January 4, 2021 from 4-8:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in STORM LAKE. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. James L. Grienke was born December 23, 1928 in Alta, Iowa the son of Fred and Helen (Duckworth) Grienke. Growing up, James received his education in the Alta and Storm Lake School systems. He earned a certificate in watch making and electronics. He also was a ham radio operator. He began his working career with the DNR, dredging several lakes in Iowa. He then went to work for Midwest Energy as a welder and gas service man. After retirement, he ran CC’s Coffee Shop in Alta until Covid hit. He could make some good cookies and coffee. James met the love of his life, Blondina Bunney, at the Roller Rink Cobblestone in Storm Lake. They were united in marriage on November 30, 1947 in Cherokee. Together, they were blessed with eight children: Jean, Ellen, Claudina, Julie, Christine, Becky, Nancy, and Debbie. As a family they made their home in Alta in 1952. James was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. He was a volunteer for the Alta Fire Department for 50 years. James enjoyed helping in the community and was a part of building the Racetrack in Alta. He also was a member of the Fair board. James was a jack of all trades and could make or fix anything. In his spare time, he enjoyed wood carving, mostly visiting and telling stories. James treasured his family and spending time with them. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. Those left to cherish his memory include daughters: Jean Sticken of Omaha, Nebraska; Ellen Wood of Alta, Iowa; Claudina Grienke of Alta, Iowa; Julie Fahr of Fremont, Nebraska; Chris (Clem) Ledoux of Alta, Iowa; Nancy (Scott) Teegardin of Alta, Iowa; Debbie Gilmer of Friend, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Bob Grienke; sister, Susan Rupp; sister-in-law, Kathy Grienke; brother-in-law, Bud Dilocker; a special niece, Linda Lee and cousin, Nancy Peters; and a lifelong friend, Art Dahl; extended family and many friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Helen Grienke; wife, Blondina Grienke; daughter, Becky Grienke; son-in-law, Duane Fahr; two brothers and three sisters.