Scott A. Grenon

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.