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Stephanie Grenke, 29, of 153 Lakewood Lane, Marquette, died unexpectedly at her home Wednesday morning, November 6, 2002.

Stephanie was born on October 1, 1973 in DeKalb, Illinois. She was a 1991 graduate of Marquette Senior High School. In 1999 she graduated magna cum laude from Grand Valley State University with a degree in special education and psychology. Stephanie had taught at the Holly Area Schools where she initiated a program for severely multiply impaired children. Prior to that she taught at the Ottawa Area Center in Zeeland, Michigan.

She worked several summers as a unit supervisor for the Bay Cliff Health Camp. She provided before and after school care for children ages 3 – 12 for the YMCA in Grand Rapids in 1996-1997 and was also involved in summer programs for the YMCA in Marquette.

With a love for volunteering her time to help others Stephanie worked with U.P. Special Olympics and coordinated the winter Special Olympic games in 1993. She also volunteered at Camp Independence in Big Bay, the Peter White Public Library and Peace Camp in Marquette. She was a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, was a Special Olympics partner and also previously taught Sunday School at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette.

Stephanie is survived by her loving parents, Herb and Sandra Grenke of Marquette; one sister, Liz (Bill) Leach of Royal Oak, MI; two uncles, Art (Pat) Grenke and an uncle and Godfather, Arlin (Georgia) Grenke, both of Oconto Falls, WI; her Godmother, Joyce Olson of Shawano, WI; also surviving are several great aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 6 p.m. in Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Timothy Bernard and Rev. Jon Magnuson officiating. Rev. Msgr. Timothy Desrochers will also be participating. Interment will be in the Park Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the church on Sunday from 3 p.m. until the time of services.

Stephanie’s cousins will act as her escorts.

Bay Cliff Health Camp was our beloved Stephanie’s place of peace. In spite of daily struggles living with a severe biological brain disorder, the unconditional love of the children and staff at Bay Cliff allowed Stephanie to enable miracles, one child at a time. Stephanie showed great empathy towards the pain of all God’s creatures and was remarkably able to see the joy that is hidden in pain. Her spirit is a gift to all who knew her.

Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider Bay Cliff Health Camp, 310 W. Washington St., Suite 300, Marquette, MI 49855.

Bless The Beasts and The Children
By: Karen Carpenter

Bless the beasts and the children,
For in this World they have no voice, they have no choice.

Bless the beasts and the chldren,
For the world can never be
The world they see.

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them.
Give them love,
Let it shine all around them.

Bless the beasts and the children.
Give them shelter from a storm.
Keep them safe.
Keep them warm.

Light their way,
When the darkness surrounds them.
Give them love,
Let it shine all around them.

Bless the beasts and the children.
Give them shelter from a storm,
Keep them safe.
Keep them warm.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.