Herbert Gruenebaum passed away on November 17, 2021, at the age of 93. Herb was born an only child in Cologne, Germany, on January 6, 1928. His parents were Gertude and Edgar Gruenebaum.
The family fled Nazi Germany and was forced to surrender their family's fine women’s apparel store, Geschwister Alsberg, in the historic section of Cologne, adjacent to the city's cathedral. After World War II, only the cathedral was left standing. The family emigrated to the United States on the SS Washington out of Hamburg, Germany, on April 22, 1936. The family arrived in New York on April 30, 1936.
Herbert graduated high school early at the age of 16. He graduated with honors (Beta Gamma Sigma) from the College of Business Administration at the University of Cincinnati as an accounting major. He joined the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture after his service in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was promoted many times throughout his career. Herbert retired after 42 years of military and civilian service. He was in charge of quality reviews of audits as Assistant Regional Inspector General.
Herbert was a CPA, a Mason, a member of the Jewish War Veterans, the Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion. He devoted his life to family and his Jewish faith. Herb and Ruth returned to Kansas City to be closer to their family. They enjoyed gardening together and always had a vegetable garden and beautiful roses. In his retirement Herbert took up painting in acrylics, and was an avid reader.
He is survived by his children Dr. Michael Gruenebaum (Kristine), Dr. Steven Gruenebaum (Louise), and Nancy Lang (Jeff). His grandchildren include Benjamin Gruenebaum, Andrew Gruenebaum (Lacey), Dr. Lauren Neuman (Danny), Danielle Gruenebaum, Adam Lang (Carly), Brandon Lang, and his great grandchildren, Gibson and Jolie Gruenebaum. His beloved wife Ruth of 63 years passed away on November 7, 2011.
May his memory always be for a blessing.
Funeral service were at The Louis Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, November 23, with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family suggests any contributions in his honor be made to Jewish Vocational Services.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.louismemorialchapel.com.
