Hans-Jorgen Gronborg Obituary (1927 - 2018)

Hans-Jorgen Gronborg, who was born on October 17, 1927 in the city of Aallborg, Denmark, son of the late Axel and Sorine Gronborg and the youngest of four boys, Borge, Knud and Paul, passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018. He married his wife, Joyce McMichael Gronborg on July 14, 1979, who preceded him in death, as well as two step-children, Carol Kramer and Joel Preston. He is survived by three children, Jeffrey Gronborg and wife Terry of West Palm Beach FL, Dr. Gerald Gronborg and wife Leigh Anne of Bedford, PA and Ellen Cajal and husband Robert of Palm City, FL; step-son, Michael Preston and wife Janet of Cranesville; grandchildren, Kai, Kara and Conner Gronborg and Sydney and Alexis Cajal; step-grandchildren Jessica Kramer, Joseph Preston, Jeremy Preston, Philip Preston, Elizabeth Lawson and Christopher Preston. He also cherished his numerous and ever growing number of great-grandchildren. Hans grew up in Nazi occupied Denmark during WWII. After the war ended, at age 18, he entered the Danish Army as a medic and took part in the post-war occupation of Germany. Upon his discharge, he was hired by the Danish government to build houses in Greenland where he installed the first indoor plumbing on the island. In 1950, he came to America and settled in Erie. After a year there, he was drafted and joined the US Air Force and was sent to Korea. After his discharge, Hans returned to Erie and would work for Riley Stoker for the next 30 years, ending his career in the engineering office. He later moved to Bedford, Pa in 2015. He was known in Bedford for his warm heart and kind smile. Hans was an avid gardener and a voracious reader. He enjoyed traveling and spending time at Findley Lake, NY. He also loved spending time with his family. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd., on Tuesday, April 3rd, from 9 am until the time of the Funeral Service there at 11 am. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to the Emmaus Ministries/Soup Kitchen, 218 East 11th St., Erie, PA 16503 or WLD Ranch 7351 Woolsey Road, Girard, PA 16417.