Sheep Industry News January 2024

Groenewold To Be Honored Posthumously W ool Excellence Award Winner Greg Groenewold passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 6, 2023, and will be honored posthumously at the 2024 ASI Annual Convention in Denver. He was chosen for the award earlier this year by ASI’s Wool Roundtable. “It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the passing of Greg Groenewold early this morning,” ASI Wool Marketing Director Rita Samuelson wrote in an email to industry executives. “He was a dedicated and influential figure, who has been an integral part of the U.S. wool industry for decades. “Greg was a force behind many of the positive developments of the U.S. Midwest wool sector and Groenewold Fur and Wool. His passion for wool was instrumental in shaping the landscape of the entire industry. He will be remembered as a principled man and for his kindness, leadership, ethics and compassion. His commitment to wool was unwavering, as even after he experienced physical chal lenges due to his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, he was regularly in the office, strong as ever, buying and trading wool. “During this time, our thoughts and condolences are with Greg’s family, friends and those who worked alongside him. May his memory continue to inspire us to uphold the values and standards he believed in. He will be missed.” Gregory Grant Groenewold was born on Sept. 8, 1960, in Free port, Ill. Passing away after a 25-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, he was 63 years old. Greg graduated from Forreston (Ill.) High School in 1978 and attended Western Illinois University. After college he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the family business. As a pivotal figure in the company, Greg played a key role in its growth to become the largest wild raw fur business in North America. In 1998, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Greg fought the disease with the same determination and passion he had at work. Serving as an example for all who knew him, Greg’s continued posi tive outlook and faith carried him through many stages of health. He loved his family, friends and church. Serving as an elder, he was a longtime member of North Grove Evangelical Church. Greg was a loving and guiding uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a loyal and trusted friend to many. He tried to live his life to his favor ite words and song, Humble and Kind . Greg is survived by his son, Grant (Araceli) Wonder; one sister, Elizabeth (Ekkehard) Schoettle; two brothers, Gary (Kathie) and Guy (Dawn) Groenewold, and many nieces and nephews whom he adored. Greg was preceded in death by his parents Grant and Beverly Groenewold. Funeral services were conducted on Dec. 11. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for North Grove Evangelical Church.

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