705 W. Warren Street | (812) 849-2600 |

Author: chastain
10

Stanley “Gabby” GraneckiPassing: March 17, 2014

Service:

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Funeral Mass

Friday, March 21st at 11:00 am

Visitation:

Chastain Funeral Home

Thursday, March 20th @ 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Cemetery:

Mitchell Cemetery

Friday, March 21st

MITCHELL — Stanley “Gabby” Granecki, 98, passed away at 2:08 p.m. Monday, March 17, 2014, at Jennings County Healthcare Center in North Vernon.

Born November 26, 1915, in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of Walter and Josephine (Acton) Granecki.  He married Leona Maudie Smith March 15, 1941, and she preceded him in death January 2, 1993.

He had been employed at Spring Mill State Park with the Civilian Conservation Corps.  He worked at Mathews Feed Company and later became manager of Mathews Paint, Wallpaper and Appliances and eventually bought the business. When the building was sold in 1972, he went to work for Hancock Construction.  “Gabby” served on the Mitchell City Council for 32 years, was a charter and 50 year member of the Mitchell Lions Club, and organized Little League Baseball in 1963 and the Babe Ruth League in 1964.   He was instrumental in getting eight horseshoe courts built at the Mitchell City Park, and was an avid golfer.

He was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II, received five Bronze Stars and the Bronze Star Medal.  He was a member of American Legion Post No. 250, served on the Honor Guard, and was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.  “Gabby” was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Surviving:  son, Joe (Penny) Granecki, North Vernon
 granddaughter, Kristi

His parents; wife; brothers, Walter Granecki and Hank Granecki; and sister, Genevieve Aumiller, preceded him in death.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Rick Eldred and Deacon Dave Reising officiating.  Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery with military honors accorded by American Legion Post No. 250 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9107.

Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center.  The Rosary service will be at 7:30 p.m.

 Memorial Gifts:  American Legion Post No. 250 Honor Guard

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10 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Bill Mullis | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: March 23, 2014
    Joe, So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was certainly influential here back in the day, and his efforts to organize Little League baseball provided many hours and several summers of positive activity for me and countless other boys. We had some really great times at the Legion ballpark.
  2. Guest: Michael Chastain | Culver, IN
    Date: March 22, 2014
    Joe, my sister Teresa sent me an email about your dad passing. Please accept my condolence and know that I have fond memories of Gabby's influence on me, as well as on many young boys in the baseball leagues of Mitchell. I remember how many hours he put in with his team and taking care of the grounds. A labor of love that helped so many. Please take care - I will be praying for you. Michael Chastain
  3. Guest: Cassey Aumiller | ToledoOhio
    Date: March 21, 2014
    Uncle Gabby will be missed. I remember the visits to Mitchell we would take. Our thoughts and prayers our with you.
  4. Guest: Judy Williams | Mitchell, Indiana
    Date: March 20, 2014
    I think Gabby was the last golfing buddy that my husband played with, Gabby was probably in more than one group. They were all golf nuts and really enjoyed each other, it was fun for me to watch them pull away from the curb on the way to tee off and instantly forget that they had a care in the world. I remember Gabby and Maudie as friends of everyone. Sincerely, Mrs. Jack Williams.
  5. Guest: Kathy Whitaker | Butlerville, Indiana
    Date: March 20, 2014
    So sorry to hear of Gabby's passing. I will always remember how he loved to play Bingo at the nursing home in N.V. The game will probably not be the same without him. I don't work there anymore but I saw him in the halls when I was volunteering there. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sincerely, Kathy Whitaker, former Activity Assistant at JHCC
  6. Guest: Karon Chastain Wingard | Bloomington, IN
    Date: March 19, 2014
    Sorry for your loss. Gabby was one of my favorites. I will always remember that he allowed me to use his golf pull cart in the early 60's. Karon & Bob
  7. Guest: Judy Stevens | Mitchell
    Date: March 19, 2014
    So sorry for your loss - but what a blessing this was to have had this great man as a part of your family for so long.
  8. Guest: Linda Diane (Fortner) Chastain | Lakewood(Denver), Colorado
    Date: March 19, 2014
    Just lost my very favorite "Uncle Gabby". We had such good times together eating Aunt Maudie's blackberry cobbler or blueberry muffins or homemade ice cream. I loved going to their house as a little girl. Holidays were special with family gathered around the table and laugher everywhere. I will always remember the yellow baby booties that were given to Keith & I on our wedding day. We never did find out who gave them to us until about 30 years later -- Uncle Gabby! I can still hear him laughing that it took us so long to figure it out. We loved him and will miss him. Linda & Keith
  9. Guest: Diane Abernathy | NorthVernon, IN
    Date: March 19, 2014
    I so enjoyed chatting with Grandpa G whenever he visited your home. What a blessing that Joe could visit every day!
  10. Guest: Scott Sims | PanaIlinois
    Date: March 18, 2014
    Joe Penny and Kristi So sorry to hear of Gabby's passing. Have a lot of good memories of him when he would come to Pana. Will always remember what good friends he and Maudie were to my grandparents. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center