In the early morning hours of January 30, 2025 — the day of his father-in-law’s 88th birthday — Scott “Papa” Grenon unexpectedly and unfairly left this world. He was a one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life, big-hearted bear of a man and he leaves behind legions of broken-hearted loved ones, most especially his wife of nearly 35 years, Julie;Continue Reading
In the early morning hours of January 30, 2025 — the day of his father-in-law’s 88th birthday — Scott “Papa” Grenon unexpectedly and unfairly left this world. He was a one-of-a-kind, larger-than-life, big-hearted bear of a man and he leaves behind legions of broken-hearted loved ones, most especially his wife of nearly 35 years, Julie; their four daughters, Abigail, Emily, Elizabeth and Sarah; and his two grandsons, Ren and Wes. He was 59.
Scott was born in Glens Falls, New York, on November 18, 1965, to parents George and Olga Grenon. He was the youngest of five boys. The stories of their childhood and teenage escapades would make any parent shudder with horror and wonder how any of them survived to adulthood.
Scott came to Wisconsin in 1986 for college at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and met Julie when he was 20. Legend has it he chased her down the street after seeing her in a yellow sundress. They married on June 30, 1990, in West Bend. They built a life and a family, first in Green Lake and then in Beaver Dam, and always, every summer, at the Tunnel Trail Campground in Wilton that Julie’s parents started in 1972. Scott was the lifeblood of the campground, doing the work of 10 men at all times, and he’d better not catch you standing around lollygagging empty-handed. He gruffly but lovingly mentored many teenage employees and slightly intimidated future sons-in-law. He was integrally involved in the Wisconsin Association of Campground Owners, where he sat on the board for several terms and shared advice whether it was wanted or not. Through the decades at Tunnel Trail, Scott expanded his family exponentially to include too many loved ones to list here, but they know who they are.
Scott was a founding coach of the Beaver Dam High School Powerlifting Team and developed so many lifelong relationships with those kids. He owned and operated a hardwood flooring business and was responsible for many gleaming floors all over Green Lake, including refinishing those in the historic Thrasher Opera House. He installed the oak in his sister-in-law’s house in Blue Mounds 10 years before it became his oldest daughter’s home — where they still looked just as good on move-in day — as well as many homes in the Tunnel Trail area. He was especially known for packing lunches for his educator wife, providing many extra meals or treats for her colleagues to make sure everyone stayed hydrated and nourished.
Scott showed up for his daughters. He was their number one fan, biggest supporter, and always there for every adventure. He commanded every room he was in, made friends with everyone and always found a way to connect with the people around him. He wholeheartedly followed his daughters’ endeavors and boasted proudly at every achievement, big or small. He loved and cared deeply for all of the people in his life. He never failed to give generously to everyone in his orbit. He will forever be remembered for his bear hugs, loud cheers, and charismatic laughter. He didn’t want to go.
Broken-hearted survivors include his wife of nearly 35 years, Julie Grenon; daughters Abigail Muras (Brandon Muras) of Blue Mounds, WI, Emily Grenon (Sergio Angles) of Madrid, Spain, Elizabeth Grenon (fiancé, Shane Lapen) of Green Bay, WI, and Sarah Grenon of Winona, MN; grandsons Renon and Weston Muras; in-laws Wes and Barbara Westra; brothers-in-law Alan Westra and Brian Westra of West Bend; brothers George (Julia), Chris (Kim), Michael (Lisa) and Paul (Kristin) of Michigan; Peg and Marc Ginsberg of Blue Mounds; dear friends Jeff and Jill Pullman-Becker and their children Matthew (Kristine), Michael (Molly) and Martha; Kim and Brian Byrne and family; Jerry and Joanne Tyjeski and family; and too many nieces and nephews to count. He was preceded in death by his parents and Jim Hundt (brother), lovingly referred to as Uncle Jimmy.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Koepsell-Murray funeral home in Beaver Dam. Visitation is from noon to 4 p.m. with a service following. There will also be a celebration of life at Tunnel Trail Campground sometime this summer. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. In lieu of flowers, the family will plant a tree — just as Scott did for those who passed before.
The family would like to express its gratitude to the Beaver Dam Fire Department EMTs and paramedics, as well as the doctors and nurses in the Marshfield Medical Center emergency department who worked so valiantly to try to save his life.
Anonymous
left a message on March 28, 2025:
Dan Greco
left a message on April 11, 2025:
I grew up with Scott in Coloma enjoyed being his friend & love his family I'm deeply sorry for your loss...have faith & believe in the Blood of JESUS!! We will See Scott again in Heaven hallelujah 🙏
Anonymous
left a message on March 28, 2025:
Anonymous
left a message on March 27, 2025:
George & Julia Lindsay Grenon
left a message on March 27, 2025:
Jamie, Toni, Ryan and Tanner North
left a message on March 26, 2025:
From: The extended Stolp Family
left a message on March 25, 2025:
Wayne Meyers
left a message on February 22, 2025:
My friendship with the Westra & Grenon families goes back nearly 50 years. As Scott & Julie began running Tunnel Trail Campground during the 1990's, I began making a lifelong friendship with them. As my trips to the campground became longer and more frequent, and sharing meals with them at their house, cooked by Scott on many occasions, I got to know the Grenon family very well. There was a summer weather event, straight-line winds one evening, that tore through the campground, about the end of June. The amount of help that showed up after this event, to help clear the campground of a massive amount of tree debris, for an upcoming July 4th holiday, was amazing! This was a testament to all of the friendships that Scott had made, that so many were willing to come to their aid, in a time of need. Another time when I personally had a need for assistance while staying at the campground, Scott personally took charge! I had a bike crash while on a morning ride with a friend of mine. My friend rode back to the campground, returned with the car, and brought me first to the office. Scott insisted that I use the bathtub in their house, clean my wounds, and after, personally bandaged all of my wounds-himself. The generosity and kindness of Scott knew no bounds. He was always a staunch supporter of his four daughters, and the Love of his life, Julie. I know that I am a better person for having known him, and being able to call him, my friend. I will miss him so!
Elizabeth Etten
left a message on February 9, 2025:
It’s quite difficult to express the impact Scott had on me and on my family. When I tried to describe him to someone (a human, not a tree), they said it sounds like when so much in the world is fake, he lived naturally in truth and brought that authenticity out in others.
I’ll try my best to honor and to encourage that truth (and his humor) as he did with me and so many others.
Paul Anfenson
left a message on February 8, 2025:
I have many memories of Scott accumulated over the 30 plus years I have known him, but what I remember best is his generosity. He was there whenever anyone needed him. I will always have great affection for the man and will forever appreciate his friendship He made me feel like part of his family every summer and those connections will live on with me. I will miss my friend.
John and Alison Sweet
left a message on February 5, 2025:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man. We have so many memories of Scott and Julie and Tunnel Trails.
One memory in particular is from October 2012. Our son (Tayden) had just turned 3 days before our trip. He ended up falling into a very hot fire and having burns on both hands and the tip of his nose. My husband and parents drove him up to the front immediately and asked Scott the quickest way to the hospital. He said get out of the way I'm driving and hopped in. They said that was the fastest they had ever driven in a car. He did whatever he needed to to help anyone. We are so thankful for his love and care to help us get the help we needed as soon as possible. I truly am thankful for all the years we got to know him. Your family is so special and I am sure his legacy will live on in all of you. We are praying for your whole family. Love and hugs to all of you!
Levi lamb
left a message on February 4, 2025:
America Fushianes
left a message on February 4, 2025:
My condolences and heart goes out to Scott Grenon’s entire family and all his friends. Scott was an amazing man with many talents. One of my fondest memories of him was when we were camping and we got locked in the pool area. He was so kind and always willing to help others. I loved his witty sense of humor. He always talked about his family and loved being a grandpa! He will be missed by so many. Praying for strength to say goodbye to such a heroic, kind loving man.
Tim and Sandy Polcyn
left a message on February 4, 2025:
Dear Julie and girls,
We are so very sorry to hear about Scott's passing. We are so grateful for the many memories we have of him when we taught with you in Green Lake. May the memories of Scott you hold deep in your heart bring you peace and comfort at this very difficult time.
Randy and Linda Stutz
left a message on February 4, 2025:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Scott was a wonderful man.
Katey & Tim Clarenbach
left a message on February 4, 2025:
We are so sorry for your loss. We’ve enjoyed making many happy memories at Tunnel Trail over the years - one of very favorite campgrounds. What a lovely tribute to a life well lived.
Teri Palamaruk
left a message on February 4, 2025:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We knew Scott from Kendall. Bruce and l owned the Lumberyard in Kendall and knew Wes and Scott well. Please accept my condolences.
Teri Palamaruk
The Zurbuchen's Rick and Jenna
left a message on February 3, 2025:
We are soooo sadden to hear about Scott!! We know how special Scott was to you and the girls. We will miss seeing him drive the golf cart around the campground to make his rounds and go clean the bathrooms or cleaning the pool. We are thinking of you and sending our prayers!!! Love all of you!!
Jim and Karen Mohr
left a message on February 3, 2025:
We were saddened to learn of Scott's death but have good memories of his bigger than life personality, friendliness and generosity. Among our memories from 25 years ago in Ripon are how he organized a painting party for our living room and staying at the campground with our daughter and an exchange student. He was a good friend.
Valeria Lewis
left a message on February 3, 2025:
With a heavy heart, I wish to give my sincere condolences to you and the family. Someone so special can never be forgotten.
Scott was a beacon of light, a person who touched every life he encountered with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. I'm grateful for the laughter he brought into my life, the wisdom he shared, and the unwavering support he offered through thick and thin. His passion for seeing everyone succeed was infectious, inspiring us all to live with purpose. I will always cherish everything Scott did for me and for welcoming me into his family. If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would know that he would go above and beyond to encourage you to do and be the best. He is the most selfless man I have ever met, and I will forever cherish all the wonderful memories that I have. Thank you, Scott, for being such a remarkable person. We will never forget you, and your memory will forever remain a guiding star in our hearts.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Anonymous
left a message on March 28, 2025:
Dan Greco
left a message on April 11, 2025:
I grew up with Scott in Coloma enjoyed being his friend & love his family I'm deeply sorry for your loss...have faith & believe in the Blood of JESUS!! We will See Scott again in Heaven hallelujah 🙏
Anonymous
left a message on March 28, 2025:
Anonymous
left a message on March 27, 2025:
George & Julia Lindsay Grenon
left a message on March 27, 2025:
Jamie, Toni, Ryan and Tanner North
left a message on March 26, 2025:
From: The extended Stolp Family
left a message on March 25, 2025:
Wayne Meyers
left a message on February 22, 2025:
My friendship with the Westra & Grenon families goes back nearly 50 years. As Scott & Julie began running Tunnel Trail Campground during the 1990's, I began making a lifelong friendship with them. As my trips to the campground became longer and more frequent, and sharing meals with them at their house, cooked by Scott on many occasions, I got to know the Grenon family very well. There was a summer weather event, straight-line winds one evening, that tore through the campground, about the end of June. The amount of help that showed up after this event, to help clear the campground of a massive amount of tree debris, for an upcoming July 4th holiday, was amazing! This was a testament to all of the friendships that Scott had made, that so many were willing to come to their aid, in a time of need. Another time when I personally had a need for assistance while staying at the campground, Scott personally took charge! I had a bike crash while on a morning ride with a friend of mine. My friend rode back to the campground, returned with the car, and brought me first to the office. Scott insisted that I use the bathtub in their house, clean my wounds, and after, personally bandaged all of my wounds-himself. The generosity and kindness of Scott knew no bounds. He was always a staunch supporter of his four daughters, and the Love of his life, Julie. I know that I am a better person for having known him, and being able to call him, my friend. I will miss him so!
Elizabeth Etten
left a message on February 9, 2025:
It’s quite difficult to express the impact Scott had on me and on my family. When I tried to describe him to someone (a human, not a tree), they said it sounds like when so much in the world is fake, he lived naturally in truth and brought that authenticity out in others.
I’ll try my best to honor and to encourage that truth (and his humor) as he did with me and so many others.
Paul Anfenson
left a message on February 8, 2025:
I have many memories of Scott accumulated over the 30 plus years I have known him, but what I remember best is his generosity. He was there whenever anyone needed him. I will always have great affection for the man and will forever appreciate his friendship He made me feel like part of his family every summer and those connections will live on with me. I will miss my friend.
John and Alison Sweet
left a message on February 5, 2025:
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of such a great man. We have so many memories of Scott and Julie and Tunnel Trails.
One memory in particular is from October 2012. Our son (Tayden) had just turned 3 days before our trip. He ended up falling into a very hot fire and having burns on both hands and the tip of his nose. My husband and parents drove him up to the front immediately and asked Scott the quickest way to the hospital. He said get out of the way I'm driving and hopped in. They said that was the fastest they had ever driven in a car. He did whatever he needed to to help anyone. We are so thankful for his love and care to help us get the help we needed as soon as possible. I truly am thankful for all the years we got to know him. Your family is so special and I am sure his legacy will live on in all of you. We are praying for your whole family. Love and hugs to all of you!
Levi lamb
left a message on February 4, 2025:
America Fushianes
left a message on February 4, 2025:
My condolences and heart goes out to Scott Grenon’s entire family and all his friends. Scott was an amazing man with many talents. One of my fondest memories of him was when we were camping and we got locked in the pool area. He was so kind and always willing to help others. I loved his witty sense of humor. He always talked about his family and loved being a grandpa! He will be missed by so many. Praying for strength to say goodbye to such a heroic, kind loving man.
Tim and Sandy Polcyn
left a message on February 4, 2025:
Dear Julie and girls,
We are so very sorry to hear about Scott's passing. We are so grateful for the many memories we have of him when we taught with you in Green Lake. May the memories of Scott you hold deep in your heart bring you peace and comfort at this very difficult time.
Randy and Linda Stutz
left a message on February 4, 2025:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Scott was a wonderful man.
Katey & Tim Clarenbach
left a message on February 4, 2025:
We are so sorry for your loss. We’ve enjoyed making many happy memories at Tunnel Trail over the years - one of very favorite campgrounds. What a lovely tribute to a life well lived.
Teri Palamaruk
left a message on February 4, 2025:
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We knew Scott from Kendall. Bruce and l owned the Lumberyard in Kendall and knew Wes and Scott well. Please accept my condolences.
Teri Palamaruk
The Zurbuchen's Rick and Jenna
left a message on February 3, 2025:
We are soooo sadden to hear about Scott!! We know how special Scott was to you and the girls. We will miss seeing him drive the golf cart around the campground to make his rounds and go clean the bathrooms or cleaning the pool. We are thinking of you and sending our prayers!!! Love all of you!!
Jim and Karen Mohr
left a message on February 3, 2025:
We were saddened to learn of Scott's death but have good memories of his bigger than life personality, friendliness and generosity. Among our memories from 25 years ago in Ripon are how he organized a painting party for our living room and staying at the campground with our daughter and an exchange student. He was a good friend.
Valeria Lewis
left a message on February 3, 2025:
With a heavy heart, I wish to give my sincere condolences to you and the family. Someone so special can never be forgotten.
Scott was a beacon of light, a person who touched every life he encountered with his kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit. I'm grateful for the laughter he brought into my life, the wisdom he shared, and the unwavering support he offered through thick and thin. His passion for seeing everyone succeed was infectious, inspiring us all to live with purpose. I will always cherish everything Scott did for me and for welcoming me into his family. If you had the pleasure of meeting him, you would know that he would go above and beyond to encourage you to do and be the best. He is the most selfless man I have ever met, and I will forever cherish all the wonderful memories that I have. Thank you, Scott, for being such a remarkable person. We will never forget you, and your memory will forever remain a guiding star in our hearts.
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