OBITUARIES
Retired minister, friend to many, Rev. Warren Gritzke dies at 82
BY MARY LANCASTER INDEPENDENT WRITER
The Rev. Dr. Warren W. Gritzke, an active community volunteer, pastor emeritus at the First Congregational Church and well-liked tour bus driver for 14 years, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Aug 10 at Cape Cod Hospital. He was 82.

COURTESY OF KENT GRITZKE

"He is my personal hero," said his son Kent Gritzke. "He spent his whole life doing what he thought was right. He took risks for his beliefs throughout his life and he has more friends than you can imagine. Everybody thought he was spectacular. He has been immersed in Nantucket life since he retired here."

Rev. Gritzke had suffered from congestive heart failure for several years, but a few weeks ago he received a new pacemaker and defibrillator. He was recouperating in Centerville's Essex Pavillion where his wife of 59 years, Doris Gritzke, is staying until a room becomes available for her at Our Island Home, said their son.

Rev. Gritzke was born in Buffalo, N.Y. and earned his Doctor of Ministry from Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, Mo., a Congregational seminary. He spent 59 years as a Lutheran minister and retired here 15 years ago when he and his wife moved permanently to the island house they bought in 1978.

"At which point, his retirement made him busier than ever," said Kent Gritzke.

Among his many community involvements, Rev. Gritzke was ombudsman at Our Island Home, treasurer of the Basket Maker's Association (and also a basketmaker). He delivered Meals on Wheels, was chaplain of the Wharf Rat Club, was active with the Nantucket Interfaith Council and performed services, weddings and funerals, including his last service about a month ago at the Congregational Church, took over the Saltmarsh Senior Center's men's breakfast after the death of his friend Fred Cook, and was a popular driver for the Hy-Line's Island Tours. In 2005 he was chosen as Nantucket's male Senior Citizen of the Year.

"A lot of people probably didn't know him as well as I did," said former resident Keith Krewson who moved last June to Charlton, Mass. "I found him to be an honest man to his church and his family and friends. He did more service to the community without recognition, because he didn't look for it, than most people would realize. There are many people in any community who give of themselves and serve, but he did it so quietly. He was just a true gentleman. He did many Angel Flight co-pilots with me - we became very close during those flights in all kinds of weather."

Krewson's wife Peg, formerly the music director at the Congregational Church, added that Rev. Gritzke was one of the strongest bass voices in the choir.

"I counted on him quite a lot. All the men did," she said. "And he was one of the greatest punsters who always had a play on words. He was a lot of fun."

Jim Lynch, who manages the Hy-Line tour buses, said he has known Rev. Gritzke well since 1999 and that he drove a bus for 14 seasons until just before this past Memorial Day.

"He was a phenomenal man and just a great guy. He had a good wit and people loved his tours. He was from the old school and would work 100 hours a week if I let him - he was a great example to the other drivers," said Lynch. "He's the type who was a true minister of his faith. He was a very intelligent man and would help anybody. I consider myself a lucky man to have had him as a friend. There was always a smile on his face."

When Rev. Gritzke's friend Fred Cook died several years ago he assumed Mr. Cook's role of running the men's breakfasts at the Saltmarsh Center and remained friends with Mr. Cook's wife Lilma.

"He lived his Christianity," she said. "He was a very good friend and such a willing person who would do anything for anyone. My husband worked on baskets with him and they enjoyed being together. He was just a good friend with a great sense of humor, truly a gentleman and a wonderful father and grandfather. We were privileged to be his friend."

George Fleming was a close friend of Rev. Gritzke's for 30 years.

"He was a very good friend and will be missed not only by my family and me but by the whole community."

Rev. Gritzke is survived by his wife Doris, son Kent and daughter Karen, both of Nantucket, his son Kevin of St. Louis, Mo., daughter Kay Banus of San Antonio, Texas, daughter Kirsten Sauter and son-inlaw David Sauter of Martha's Vineyard, daughterin law Jane Morrow of Nantucket, sisters Lois Meuschke of Richmond, Va., and Ruth Gustafson of Ridgefield, Conn., 11 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date when all family members can be present. Donations in Rev. Gritzke's name may be made to the First Congregational Church pastor's discretionary fund

used to assist people in need. I