Lowell Emil Freudenberg

Lowell Emil Freudenberg, 80, of Santa Cruz, passed away on August 5th from natural causes. Lowell was born on July 21, 1942, to Emil & Olga Freudenberg in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. After graduating high school in 1960, Lowell began studying at the University of Minnesota. However, he didn’t stay in Minneapolis for long; after a few years, he had the opportunity to interview for a job at Lockheed Martin in California. He took the job and moved to California, where he started enjoying the sunny beaches. But his life was about to change again: in 1967, he was drafted into the Army to fight in the Vietnam War. It was during this time that he met his best friend Jerry Meador. Lowell had always been a man of wanderlust. As a young man, he’d left his home in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota to travel across the country. He’d seen the sights from coast to coast, and there was no doubt in his mind that he was in love with America. So when he returned to California, he did so with a renewed passion for his country and its politics. He threw himself into his work, determined to build a better future for himself. One summer, Lowell decided to return to Parkers Prairie for a class reunion. It was during the planning of that he met Pamela Jane, the love of his life. They dated for sometime before finally tying the knot in 1986. With Pam by his side, Lowell felt like he could take on anything. He quickly became the compass of their newly formed family, someone they could always turn to for guidance and inspiration. Together, they traveled the world and shared experiences that most people only dream of having. Lowell was an extraordinary husband and father who always stood up for his beliefs. Even when times were tough, he remained steadfast in his convictions. He was the first to cheer on his wife and children in all their endeavors, and his love for them knew no bounds. Lowell will always be remembered as a kind and loving man who left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He is survived by his wife Pam Freudenberg, Tiffany Kelly (daughter), Katherine Sullivan (daughter), Dave ullivan (son-in-law), Greg Falls (son), DeeDee Falls(daughterin-law), Monica Falls (daughter), Mackenzie Kelly (grandson), Abigail Kelly (granddaughter), Alexandra Waltz (granddaughter), Clayton Waltz (grandson), Ashley Barnes (granddaughter), Kelby Sullivan (granddaughter),Emily Sullivan (granddaughter). Lowell Freudenberg was a remarkable man who led an extraordinary life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Monday, August 15, 2022 from 9amto 10am. A Graveside Ceremony will follow at 11am at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, California. Following the Graveside Ceremony, a reception will be held at Seabright Brewery, 519 Seabright Ave #107in Santa Cruz, California.

Surrounded by his family, Art Gronner passed away peacefully at home. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Julius and Blanche Gronner. Art graduated from Senn High School in 1953 and from the University of Illinois in 1957. In 1961, he graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School.

An internship with the Public Health Service in Seattle, Washington was followed by a radiology residency at Children’s Hospital in San Francisco. He held professorships at UC Davis, UCSF, and the VA in Martinez, California, teaching interns and residents.

Dr. Gronner was a member of five scientific societies and contributed fourteen published articles.

He retired after forty years as a radiologist at Oakland’s Highland Hospital.

His many hobbies included nature photography, hand-carved sculpture of water fowl and lathed bowls, pot-bellied stove restoration, playing piano, listening to classical music, gardening, and reading. He will be remembered as intelligent, sharp, reliable, honest, witty and humorous; uninhibited, unpretentious, humble, quirky, loyal and serious.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his son, Mitch; five daughters, Sheri, Adele, Jill, Staci, and Laura; grandchildren Josh, Channing, Madison (m. Robert), Ben, Louis, Juliet, Guy, Lucy, and Mirabel; great grandchild Robert; nephews Steve Bederman (m. Judy) and Mike Bederman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The National Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014.

Please contact bonniegronner@mac.com for more information.

Wayne Hilty – husband, father, musician, singer, songwriter, adventurer, golfer, reader, gardener, CPA, dog lover, jack-of-all-trades – passed away very suddenly on July 8. He enjoyed good health, celebrated semi-retirement in style, and was a firm believer in taking daily naps and finding joy in everything.

Wayne brought music to the lives of so many, most importantly his family, who inherited his musical gifts, as he had from his parents Marvin and Edna Hilty. Wayne grew up in Richmond, California, attending Kennedy High School, where he served as president of his senior class. He spent happy summers at Camp Ravencliff, delighting scores of young campers playing his guitar and leading hikes in the woods and river adventures accompanied by his beloved dog, Raven. He earned a business degree from San Francisco State University, while continuing to share his music as a sideline passion. Wayne met Vickie, his wife of 37 years, performing in a community theater production of “Annie.” They married after Wayne completed a Masters Degree in Music at Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles. Wayne used his financial skills throughout his career as Controller and Chief Financial Officer, most recently acting as Interim CFO for both public and non-profit companies. He had a passion for golf, an emerald green thumb, and could fix anything.

Above all, Wayne treasured his family. He dearly loved his mother-in-law, who adored their time together in the garden. He is survived by his wife Vickie, their son Andrew, daughter-in-law Annie, daughters Kristin and Grace, and son-inlaw Dylan. Vickie’s mom Georgia, Wayne’s sisters Linda and Diana, brother Larry, brother-in-law Don, sister-in-law Jennifer, and many, many friends mourn his loss tremendously. Wayne would love it if you took a walk in the woods, spent time in your garden, or listened to a good tune with someone you love. Any who are so inclined may also make a donation to their favorite charity in Wayne’s name.