DONALD GEORGE GREVE

DONALD GEORGE GREVE, age 94, entered his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2026. He was born on August 20, 1931, in Hammond, Indiana, and was baptized into the Christian faith on September 20, 1931. From the very beginning of his life, his faith in Jesus Christ shaped the man he would become-a devoted husband, loving father, gifted teacher, faithful servant, and cherished friend.

On June 20, 1953, Don married his best friend and the love of his life, Ruth Helen Streit. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and raised five children in a Christian home where faith, education, and family were treasured. During Ruth's courageous 27-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Don faithfully cared for her at home with unwavering love and devotion, assisted by family, friends, and health professionals. Their marriage was a beautiful testimony of Christian commitment until Ruth was called home to heaven in 1998.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth (Streit) Greve; his son, Paul Greve; his parents, Rev. Walter Carl Greve and Catherine Johanna Greve; his brother, Walter Carl Jr. "Bud" Greve (Joanne "Jo"); and his sister, Ruth Greve.

He is lovingly remembered by his surviving children and spouses: Linda Blodgett (Robert), (Beth) Greve, Michael Greve (Kay), Jeffrey Greve (Susan), and Steven Greve (Mary Liebl).

He was a proud grandfather to eleven grandchildren: Laura Powall (Angelo), Andrew Blodgett (Katie), Mark Blodgett, Zachary Greve (Mary), Katherine Bridges (Ethan), Timothy Greve (Rebecca), Kelly Krease (Jack), Larisa Kruger (Travis), Eric Greve (Felicia Mata), Jesse Greve, and Kara Beeby (McKenzie).

He also leaves behind fifteen treasured great-grandchildren: Noah, Olivia, and Alison Powall; Henry Blodgett; Carter, Logan, and Finley Bridges; Sawyer, Gatlin, and Kason Greve; "KJ" Krease; Evelyn and Margaret Kruger; and Morgan and Madeline Mata-Greve.

Don graduated from Concordia High School boarding school before attending Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL. He began his teaching ministry at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Watertown, Minnesota.

In 1960, Don accepted the divine call to teach history and religion at Lutheran High School West in Rocky River, Ohio. What began as a teaching position became a remarkable 37-year ministry. During those years he inspired thousands of students in the classroom, served for many years as the school's guidance counselor, and spent six years as principal. His calm wisdom, compassionate heart, and genuine concern for every student left a lasting impression on generations of young people.

Outside the classroom, Don loved athletics. He coached basketball for m9ny years and golf for a few years, mentoring student-athletes and teaching lessons that extended far beyond the game. Whether in the classroom, on the basketball court, at the golf course,

or in his office as guidance counselor, Don's mission remained the same-to help young people grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

Christian education was one of Don's greatest passions. He and Ruth made the sacrifice to ensure that each of their five children attended Lutheran schools from kindergarten through college. All five children graduated from Lutheran High School West: Linda '73, Paul '74, Michael '76, Jeffrey '78, and Steven '81. Education was valued in the Greve home, and all five children went on to graduate from Lutheran Universities and earn master's degrees-a legacy that reflected Don's lifelong commitment to learning and faith.

Following Ruth's passing, Don developed a passion for travel. He loved getting behind the wheel and exploring God's creation. Over the years he visited all fifty states and every continent except Australia and Antarctica. His travels included England, France, Germany-where he visited the homes of his ancestors, Italy, China, Singapore, Peru, Mexico, Egypt, Israel, and Canada.

Some of his most meaningful journeys were made with his brother, Bud, a World War II veteran. Together they visited the Battle of the Bulge battlefield three different times, retracing Bud's experiences as an American soldier who was captured as a prisoner of war. They also traveled to the area near Torgau, Germany, where Bud had been held in a German prison camp. These trips deepened Don's appreciation for history and strengthened the bond between two brothers.

Above all, Don will be remembered as a man of unwavering Christian faith, quiet humility, integrity, wisdom, and love. His influence extended far beyond his own family. Through nearly four decades at Lutheran West, he impacted thousands of students whose lives were forever changed by his encouragement, guidance, and example. His greatest legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and in the countless students who were blessed to know him.

The family rejoices in God's promise that Don has been reunited in heaven with Ruth and those who have gone before him. While his earthly presence will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the assurance of the resurrection through Jesus Christ.

"Well done, good and faithful servant ... Enter into the joy of your Master." - Matthew 25:23

Private family graveside service was held at Hope Memorial Garden. 

Memorial Service Saturday, August 8, St. Paul Luthran Church (27993 Detroit Rd. Westlake, OH) at 11:00 AM.