Obituary: Gronning, Jon Edward
He was 52 years old and died of complications from pneumonia after five days in the hospital.
Jon was born January 21, 1961, in Spokane, WA, the youngest son of Evelyn and Gordon Gronning.
Quick to smile and joke, he was known as a kind, generous man who was giving with his time and skills.
He helped neighbors, family and friends with just about anything they needed, especially if it involved building something.
Jon showed woodworking talent as a youngster.
He learned more about construction when he helped his father on a barn building project when Jon was a teenager.
After graduating Cheney High School, Jon went on to a career as a construction contractor, finish carpenter and builder, working on projects big and small in Washington and Idaho.
When his health kept him from working in construction, he became a caretaker for his parents.
Jon liked cooking throughout his life but in later years truly came into his own as a chef.
Except for a brief time in the Seattle area, Jon lived most of his life in Spokane and the West Plains area.
He enjoyed bicycling and helped repair bicycles for a local non profit.
In addition to cooking and riding his bicycle, Jon enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his twin sister, Debra.
He liked games, including games of chance.
Jon was a friendly, compassionate, gentle man who will be deeply missed by friends and family.
Jon was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Gronning.
He is survived by his mother, Evelyn Gronning of Airway Heights; his sister, Debra Gronning of Burien, Wash.; two brothers, Don Gronning of Spokane, and Doug Gronning and sister-in-law Diane Gronning of Spokane; numerous aunts and uncles, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Center Pointe at 1408 N. Washington in Spokane.
There will be a potluck dinner following the celebration.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Lilac Services for the Blind at 1212 N. Howard St., Spokane, WA 99201.