MILTON DEAN GRONEMYER

Longtime Skagit Valley resident Milton Dean Gronemyer died on Saturday, April 18 at a local care facility following a brief illness. He was 73.

Milt was born Nov. 18, 1941, in Wellington, Kansas to Milton Dale and Sylvia Jane Utterback Gronemyer.

He moved as a youth with his family to southern California, graduating in 1960 from Pacific High School in San Bernardino.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Europe as a clerk typist for captains and colonels, often earning letters of commendation for his precise and detailed work.

Following his tour in the military, Milt settled in Mount Vernon and enjoyed a long career in sales, specializing in the marketing of recreational vehicles. His quick wit and ability to converse on any subject made him a superb salesman with a large and loyal customer base.

He and Sandy Skinnell were wed Aug. 9, 1976 and made their home in Mount Vernon for nearly four decades. Together, they frequently traveled the country, taking equal pleasure sightseeing and renewing their many friendships made across America.

An avid sportsman and athlete, dating to his years as a standout high school baseball and basketball player, Milt pursued a wide range of hobbies over the course of a full and rewarding life. He hunted, fished, and golfed, played on various men’s softball and pool teams, took part in football pools, was active in bowling leagues, and often played horseshoes, cribbage, and shuffleboard.

“He was always playing or watching sports,” recalls a favorite uncle, John Gronemyer, of Sedro-Woolley. “There isn’t a sport that Milt couldn’t do, and he was great at them all.”

He was also skilled at solving crossword puzzles, a task to which he was devoted on a near daily basis.

Few occasions brought Milt greater joy than when he was able to host gatherings of friends and family for backyard barbecues.

He was predeceased by: his parents; a brother, Harold Gronemyer; infant sister, Karen Sue Gronemyer; father-in-law, Albert Skinnell; mother-in-law, Edith Skinnell; brother-in-law, Frank Skinnell; a step-son, Kristopher Athearn; his best friend, Lee Frank; and his two beloved hunting dogs, Katie and Jasmine.

Milt is survived by: his wife, Sandy, at the family home; a daughter and son-in-law, Karla and Bill Reynolds; a son, Kevin Gronemyer; a step-son, Kirk Athearn; a sister, Carolyn Luther; sisters-in-law Peggy Gronemyer, Sharon Barton, and Sheryl (Raymond) Jones; a brother-in-law, Steve Skinnell; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family is especially appreciative and thankful for Skagit Valley Hospital ICU; the Skagit Valley Medic Unit; Life Care Center; and Kern Funeral Home for handling arrangements.

Memorials and flowers in Milt’s name can be sent to 915 S. 20th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98274. A private celebration of Milt’s life will be held at the family home in Mount Vernon on Saturday, April 25.

He will be dearly missed by all.