Martin Frederick Grau

Martin Frederick Grau of Altavista, passed away on January 6, 2014 at his home after several years of declining health. He was born on June 14, 1913 in St. Charles, Missouri, the son of Herman Carl Henry Grau and Clara Anna Marie Nollie Grau. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty-nine years, Leona Gillham Grau, his stepmother, Clara Aguste Mittler Grau, who helped raise him from age three, two sisters and one brother. Martin revered his family, church, friends and neighbors, his community, country and Mother Nature. He graduated from Iowa State University, Aimes, with a degree in forestry. During the depression he joined the Civilian Conservation Commission. He served with the U.S. Army as First Sergeant during World War II and trained troops on the west coast before they debarked for the Pacific Theater. In 1952 he moved his family to Virginia where he became a forest manager for U.S. Gypsum Company for 26 years before his retirement. Martin was a devout Christian from an early age. After coming to Virginia he became a member of the First Baptist Church of Altavista. There he served as Sunday School teacher for the nine year old boys, on the usher/greeter committee, the building/grounds committee, helped with church transportation vehicles, and did church breakfast kitchen duties. He was active in the Altavista Lions Club and remained on their roster until his death. In 1994, he was named "Lion of the Year" by club members; Martin served as a volunteer for D.A.W.N. When failing health reduced his waking hours to resting and walking he always carried a plastic bag to retrieve litter from city streets. His favorite pastimes were his yard and garden from which he shared much of the fruits of his labors, reading, water skiing, and teaching others to enjoy the fun and exercise, music, the stock market and travel. A child always brought a smile to his face. Martin and Leona visited all fifty states including an Alaskan cruise for their fiftieth wedding anniversary. They also enjoyed touring in Canada, Germany and Austria. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Sharron Grau Doss of Altavista and Carol Grau Kenney and husband, Doug, of Roanoke. Martin was a proud "Paw-paw" to his only grandchild, Douglas Martin Kenney, wife Marci, and three beautiful great grandchildren, all of the Atlanta, Georgia area. Also surviving are two nephews of Mississippi, one niece of Alabama, and several great grandnieces and grandnephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 13, 2014 at First Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Michael S. Lee. Interment will follow in Green Hill Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Altavista Memorial Post 36 and V.F.W. Post 4165 . The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:00 p.m., Sunday at Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the residence. The family wishes to express our appreciation to each of Martin's caregivers of several years: Debbie Bernard, Michelle Stone, Barbara Kraft, Hospice of the Hills and the First Baptist Church Family. The tender care you gave in Marin's behalf helped sustain us all. We feel richly blessed for your efforts. The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider The First Baptist Church of Altavista, 1001 Bedford Ave., Altavista, VA 24517, The Alzheimer's Association, 1160 Pepsi Place, Ste. 306, Charlottesville, VA 22901, or the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Martin Frederick Grau

June 14, 1913 - January 6, 2014