Gregory Gienapp
January 08, 2012
Greg Gienapp, 62, was born August 3, 1949, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of Walter and Primrose (Roudabush) Gienapp. He passed away Monday, January 9, 2012.
Greg is survived by his daughter, Ami (Rob) Campbell of Des Moines, Iowa; son, Justin (Courtney) Gienapp of Denver, Colorado, and their mother, Denice Gienapp; his sister, Marsha (Fred) Chapman of Quasqueton, Iowa; other loving relatives and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Greg completed his undergraduate degree in Social Work at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks in 1973 and his master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Iowa in 1981. As a teenager, Greg spent many summers as a camp counselor at the Easter Seals, Camp Sunnyside, Des Moines, where he formed a network of lifelong friends. Upon graduation from the University of North Dakota, Greg continued his work life with Easter Seals. Greg’s career has been spent in the service of others including his work as a counselor on the Crisis Team at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines.
Greg met Denice in 1971, they were married for 25 years and are the parents of Ami and Justin. Greg loved his family and was infinitely proud of his children. He and Justin enjoyed many fishing expeditions together. Greg was talented in the creative arts including painting and pottery. Many of his friends and family have the honor of enjoying pieces of his art in their homes. Greg had numerous additional passions and interests, including camping, canoeing, dancing and cooking. Greg passed the enjoyment of many of these pursuits to his children. His recipe and knack for making peanut brittle will be shared with future generations.
Most of all, Greg loved his family and friends. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his loved ones. He will be remembered for his quiet, funny, loving ways, his unconditional acceptance of others and his desire to serve.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 14, 2012, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway. Memorial contributions many be made to Camp Sunnyside, 401 NE 66th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50313, in loving memory of Greg.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Sue Pearson
02/15/2012
Dee, Ami and Justin,
I just learned today about Greg's passing wanted to let you know how sorry I was to hear the news.
As my parents were dropping me off for my first summer job at Sunnyside in 1970, Greg was one of the first people I encountered. Even though one of the counselors had just driven a camp vehicle into Lake Cheerio, Greg still had time to stop, say hello, and welcome me and my parents to Camp Sunnyside.
I remember so many warm and funny stories about him and will miss his presence here. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you -- remember to take care of each other.
Sue Pearson
Randy Reid
01/14/2012
Thank you family for the honor of letting me speak of my friend and Camp Sunnyside brother. I will miss his wit and wisdom as well as counsel. Thank you for sharing him. The Lord will look after him now.
Terry Gill
01/13/2012
Greg was one of my earliest friends back in Manchester. I remember visiting his
home and the adventures we had with the baby chicks. An especially vivid
recollection was of playing once in the living room and watching in horror as a
wooden dowel fell out of my pull train and down the heat register. Greg, even as a youngster was a gentleman in every way and I know he will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Charlotte Roudabush family
01/13/2012
Dear Dee Ami andJustin.
Sorry to hear of Greg's death. He will be missed by all his relatives
in Brooklyn, Iowa.
Charlotte Roudabush
Carl
01/13/2012
Greg's passing is but a trnasition that reunites him with some very special people who have preceded him. Those remaining in this lifespace will miss him but can celebrate and rejoice for him. Greg loved and revered his family and his friends and Ami, Justin and their mother Denice were always close to his heart. Greg accepted me into his circle of family and friends in a loving manner and for that I will remain always grateful to him. Greg and his gentle spirit will be missed by us all.
Kathy Evans
01/13/2012
My thoughts and prayers to Ami and her family.
Scott Brockmann
01/13/2012
Greg was a great mentor to me as a naive 18 year old kid and first year counselor at Camp Sunnyside. He was a great co-worker and friend as we worked together for Easter Seals in the 1970's.
I'll never forget stopping at the house in WDM, and seeing a SAIL BOAT in the driveway. One thing about Greg, we were never really surprised by ANYTHING he did. He was a special person, with a life of service to others.
I have neve forgotten him, and never will.
Joan Christensen
01/12/2012
Greg had many talents and shared them willingly.
It is sad he no longer can do this.
He had many struggles and these were difficult for those of us around him to watch this journey.
May he be at peace now.
Best wishes to his family at this time.
DON AND ANN CRABTREE
01/12/2012
WE ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THIS NEWS. WE ARE REMINDED OF ALL THE FUN TIMES WE HAD TOGETHER! PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
DON, ANN AND ALICIA CRABTREE
Mary Kelley
01/12/2012
Dear Dee, Ami and Justin, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Greg's kindness to me as a first-timer at Sunnyside. He made me feel that I belonged there. He was such an inspiration to me then, and to all of us counselors and campers. I wish I could be with you all on Saturday. I'll be there in spirit, sharing the laughter and tears. I'll be sending something on to Camp Sunnyside in Greg's honor and memory. Take care, love, Mary.
Julie Kilpatrick
01/11/2012
Memories of Greg...easy,hearty laughter; good dancer; caring father; friend to many. May Greg rest in peace.
Jim & Ginny Brewton
01/11/2012
So sorry to hear of Greg's death. Condolences to the family. I remember meeting Greg at Ingersoll Live awhile back. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Erin Auer-Sears
01/11/2012
Greg Gienapp lives in a special place in my heart where there is always enough peanut brittle, a good story and a hearty laugh. I will always remember him that way. He was a good man.