Lawrence Robert Grein

Lawrence "Larry" Robert Grein, born December 27, 1940 in Joliet, Illinois to Raymond and Hazel Grein, sadly passed away on April 2, 2024. 

He survived his siblings: Marilyn (William) Burich, Raymond (Shirley) Grein, Sharron (John) Zelinski, Richard Grein and Joseph Grein. He is survived by his ‘family’: Alex George, Richard Hamilton; nephews and nieces: Bill Burich, Maureen Van Moffaert, Karen (Bruce) Levin, Peggy (Tim) Smith, Larry (Sue) Burich, Dan (Kelly) Burich, Cheryl Zelinski, Charlene (Raul) Bravo, Bob(Debbie) Zelinski, Barb (Erick) Hallick, Linda Zelinski, Joe (Candy) Grein, Richard (Adrienne) Grein, Tom (Donna) Grein, Sue Andersen and Carol (David) Leighton; cousins Mary Ann (the late Bob) Corcoran and Kay (the late Larry) Corcoran; numerous great nephews and nieces; and countless friends including Mary, Tim, Theresa, Carol, Doug, Wendy, Roy, Debbie, Jeffrey, Jas, Anusha, Roshini, Joyce G, Danny, Robert, Steve, Tom, Connie, Joyce H, Jeff, and many more.

Larry was a retired Accountant for the Defense Department at Fort Benjamin Harrison, and a proud graduate of Joliet Junior College and more recently attended Indiana University to complete a degree in Psychology.  He was also a certified graphologist. He had numerous passions which included pets, collecting autographed photographs of celebrities and dignitaries from all over the world, stamp collecting, handwriting analysis, camping with relatives, playing cards and board games with his nieces and nephews, corresponding with friends all over the world, cooking, making miniature flowers, and above all else his many pets, friends and family.

Among some of his more notable experiences has been the love and care of his beloved pets – Sascha, Patches (guinea pigs), Raja (rescued cat), Misha (rescued dog), Nikki (rescued dog), Dewey (rescued cat), and Toby (rescued dog). They were his “children”. He was also very proud of his letter from then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Larry made a dozen miniature roses and gifted them to her for her birthday. She responded with an official sealed letter thanking him for his kind wishes and gift. There are many more anecdotes and stories that his ‘family’, nephews, nieces, and friends have that would easily fill the pages of a biography of his life. 

Larry would best be described by anyone meeting him for the first time or having known him for a long time, as warm, caring, gentle, kind, and loving. He was also known for his sharp and quick wit, often leaving everyone in tears from laughing so hard! His soft warm brown eyes and gentle kind smile would warm the hearts of strangers and friends alike. He had the precious gift of calming the most raging storm with a smile and look that gazed deep into your soul. He’s never known an enemy.

He leaves behind family, friends, acquaintances, and countless people whose lives he has touched with his presence. He will always be fondly remembered, deeply missed, and very closely cherished in all our hearts forever. 

Rest in peace, our dearest Larry.