Dennis "John" "The Colonel" Grunewald

Dennis “John” “The Colonel” GrunewaldDennis “John” “The Colonel” Grunewald, age 69, of Northville, passed away October 18, 2017. He was born May 17, 1948 in Grayling, Michigan; son of Leonard and Peggy (nee Noirot) Grunewald. Dennis graduated from Gaylord High School; Class of 1966. He was named to the Detroit Free Press All-State team his junior and senior years. He attended Valparasio University in Indiana for 2 years where he also played football. In 1988, Dennis completed his studies at Western Michigan University and received a BS in Communications with a Minor in Psychology. Dennis was an accomplished script writer, poet, radio disc jockey, mentor and producer of various commercial and award winning public service campaigns. He entertained a generation of radio audiences throughout Florida, Kentucky, and Michigan, and his voice continues to be heard guiding popular culture on commercials as well as his most recent and proudest accomplishment for a prominent upcoming PBS documentary, “Midway: Edge of Tomorrow.” During his tenure at WLRS in Louisville, he took on the position of Public Service Director and was hugely successful. He was well known for his work with Local Musicians, and local concerts, as well as Jail House Rock Concerts at local prisons. For his recorded announcements on behalf of The National Kidney Foundation, he received the annual Public Service Award in Washington, D.C. Dennis also received The Commission of Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky in recognition of his noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state and nation. Dennis “John” Grunewald was a kind, caring, gentle soul, and will forever endure in our hearts and be missed by all who knew and loved him.Dennis is survived by his loving sister Darla (David) Getschman, and David (Joanne Sonstein) Grunewald; his nieces, Stephanie (Jesse) Fleming and Elle Getschman; his dear loving friend Cheryl Garner; brother in life Dave Thomas; and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Unity of Livonia, 28660 Five Mile Rd., Livonia. Licensed Unity Teacher Caroline Trout will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154.