William Grindel, 72
Born: Oct. 25, 1939
Died: May 9, 2012

William Henry “Hank” Grindel, 72, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at Riverview Manor in Three Rivers. Hank was born on Oct. 25, 1939, the son of Odie Victor and Mamie Fredericka (Dietrich) Grindel.

Hank attended high school in Dowagiac. During that time, he worked on the family farm and also at the Shell Gas Station in Dowagiac. In addition to working at Shell, he was employed at the Chevy Garage in 1959. Hank eventually became the owner and manager of the Shell Gas station in Three Rivers, where he also taught Adult Education classes for several years. In 1980, Hank became self-employed as a mechanic at Hank’s Service Center, which he owned and operated for many years before working at General Motors, where he worked in skilled trades and eventually retired in 2004.

Hank also enjoyed being a Boy Scouts leader and chaperoned many canoe trips for the Explores Club to Ontario, Canada.

Hank was also a life member of the Three Rivers Elks 1248.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Dallas Grindel; and one sister, Phyllis Phillips.

Hank was formerly married to Ms. Margaret Bock. Out of this union four sons were born: William Andy Grindel, of Three Rivers, Dan Grindel, of Hershey, Mich., Dr. Scott Grindel, of Chase, Mich., and Chris Grindel, of Three Rivers. In 1987, he was united in marriage to Betty (Hackenberg) Hotovy and spent 25 wonderful years together.

Hank is also survived by one stepson, Todd (Mary) Hotovy, of Allendale, Mich.; grandchildren, Amy, Michael, Cassandra, Daniel, Samantha, Nicholas, Caitlyn Grindel and Brad and Adam Hotovy; sister, Delores Cadwell, of Tucson, Ariz.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, at the Hohner Funeral Home 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 12, at the Hohner Funeral Home with Pastor Dwight Hostetler officiating.

Interment will be held in Howardsville Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Edward’s Corners Bible Church, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association or the Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hohnerfh.com.