July 25, 2012 — Morehead State University Professor Emeritus and community leader Dr. Robert W. Grueninger, 72, of Red Fox Trail, Morehead, passed away Sunday, July 22.
Born November 3, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a son of the late Robert and Grace Lenore Fishbaugh Grueninger.
Dr. Grueninger is survived by his wife, Helen “Hedy” Clark Grueninger; two children, Christopher Wayne Grueninger of Utah and Julia Grace Grueninger of Washington, D.C.; a stepson, Clark Kuhn and his wife Evelyn of Louisville, Kentucky, and their children Joel and Samuel; one sister, Helen Grueninger Hazlett and husband George of Mantura, Ohio; three nieces and other family members.
Dr. Grueninger earned the B.S. degree from Springfield (Mass.) College, the M.S. degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Oregon. His professional career spanning more than 40 included Frostburg (MD) State College, Oberlin (Ohio) College, University of Wisconsin, University of South Alabama, and Eastern Montana College.
He came to MSU in 1989 as chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education and Sports Science and retired in 2005 as professor of sport science.
Always a recognized leader in his field, he was active in professional organizations, authored numerous articles, and received several awards related to teaching and research.
A world traveler and humanitarian, Dr. Grueninger immersed himself in numerous community and church activities. He was the Director of Missions at Morehead United Methodist Church; President and co-founder of Sustainable Morehead, Inc.; Vice President of NAMI Morehead; Curriculum Chair for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, UK at Morehead; and served on various Rowan County Retired Teachers Association committees. Following retirement, he considered himself a full-time volunteer. Bob loved his family, his friends, and his community.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service to be held at the Morehead United Methodist Church will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals.
