David A. “Al” Grenek, 65, of Butler, PA, passed away peacefully in his home on February 5, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Al is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Cheri (Sasse) Grenek; his children, Ashley Homison, Garrett (Kayla) Grenek, and David (Melissa) Nowakowski; granddaughters Macy and Eden Nowakowski; and his brother, Michael Grenek; also survived by extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Norma Grenek; and his sister, Donna Grenek.
Al will forever be remembered for his spirit of adventure, love of travel, and his dedication to family. He had a brilliant mind, a quiet wit, and an insatiable curiosity. Forever an avid outdoorsman, his passion for exploring the untouched wilderness led him to backpacking trails across the country and camping remote regions of nature. Later in life, his focus turned to amateur geology, cultivating a growing rock and mineral collection from his travels.
After graduating from Butler High School in 1974, he enlisted in the US Army to serve his country and found himself station in O’ahu, Hawaii, a place that would remain close to his heart as one of his favorite for the entirety of his life. After completing his military service, he went on to support the wilderness that he loved as a forest ranger and wildland firefighter. Following that, he started his career at the VA Medical Center, where he would spend the next 30 years taking care of others that had served.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 5-7 pm at the SPENCER D. GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 140 NEW CASTLE RD. BUTLER, PA 16001 WWW.SPENCERDGEIBEL.COM. A prayer service will immediately follow in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, https://donate3.cancer.org/