THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2008

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Arthur Grewe Returning Home For 100th Birthday

By DENISE FLEISCHER

Lifestyle Editor

Arthur Grewe is returning home this weekend.

The nearly 100-year-old former Des Plaines resident has a birthday to celebrate and a block party to go to. It will be potluck and about 50 people are expected to attend.

Now living with his son, Dale, and his wife, Marylou, Grewe continues to do the things he loves, but in Bellevue, Ia. Instead of seeing the Des Plaines River, he sees the Mississippi.

"He still fixes small engines," said his son during a phone interview. "He's in the garage now. Then he'll come into the house to read the paper."

Grewe is a White Sox fan even though his son and his wife love the Cubs.

He is independent despite a few physical problems. He makes his own breakfast and lunch. He enjoys going to a local restaurant for dinner with his family.

"He's just a character. His mind is unbelievable," said his son. "He doesn't go to bed until 9 or 10 p.m."

Grewe's roots are in farming. His father, Frederick, left Germany with his family during his pre-teen years. They settled in Jefferson Park and farmed in the Northwest suburbs. There they grew tomatoes, sweet corn, onions and turnips. Grewe was born on Aug. 20, 1908. He lived on the farm with his eight brothers and one sister. He was educated at Immanuel Lutheran School in Des Plaines and worked on the farm. He left his family to find his way in the world.

He lived with his wife, Gertrude, for 52 years. They made a home for their son, Dale, on Henry Street in Des Plaines.

Grewe first worked as an auto mechanic for 23 years and then for the Cook County Highway Department for 21 years. At Maine South and Maine North high schools he was a custodian before retiring.

When the block party is over, there's another party in Iowa for Grewe to attend along with a picnic in September.

And there will always be something mechanical to fix.