Adirondack Daily Enterprise, September 15, 1986
Born: September 28, 1888
Died: September 12, 1986
Married: Ilse Kummerling
Dr. Carl Gronemeijer had a distinguished international career before moving to Saranac Lake in 1945, where he was active in many organizations.
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, September 15, 1986
Dr. Carl Gronemeijer dies
SARANAC LAKE - Long-time local civic leader Dr. Carl Gronemeijer, 97, died Friday, Sept. 12, at his home at 119 Forest Hill Avenue.
Dr. Gronemeijer was born in Apeldoorn, Holland, Sept. 28, 1888, the son of the Rev. Carl F. and Elizabeth (Ten Maat) Gronemeijer.
He studied at the University of Utrecht in Holland, where he received his Doctor of Law. As a student, he represented the Protestant Youth of Holland at a world conference in Paris, France.
In 1916, he was an artillery officer in the reserves of Holland.
He worked as a lawyer in different government departments, including the trademark and patent offices.
In 1929, he was an assistant member of the Dutch Committee at the League of Nations in Paris, defending the law prohibiting nations from recruiting foreigners from nations who did not recruit.
In 1932, Dr. Gronemeijer went to the West Indies where he became secretary of the government of the Dutch West Indies which included the islands of Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, St. Eustatia, St. Maarten and Saba. While there, he was responsible for giving the natives voting rights.
He was also president of their sport associations, arranging for many international competitions. He was president of the Art Ring, bringing world renowned artists to the islands.
After his retirement in 1944, he was director of Radio Station CUROM in Curacao.
Dr. Gronemeijer and his wife, the former Ilse Kummerling whom he married in 1938, moved to Saranac Lake in 1945.
His active lifestyle continued in his participation in many area organizations. He was one of the people responsible for bringing the Columbia Community Concerts to the Village; he was a member of the local Rotary Club, a member and trustee of the Saranac Lake Free Library, and a member of the Red Cross and of the Cancer Society, for which he organized many fund raising drives.
He was also a member of the executive board of the Adirondack Council, Boy Scouts of America, and, in 1979, received scouting's highest award, the Silver Beaver.
He was a member and membership secretary of the Saranac Lake Fish and Game Club, did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels and was responsible for international publicity for the two Rock and Mineral conventions held in Lake Placid.
Dr. Gronemeijer is survived by his wife, Ilse.
Calling hours will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the Fortune Funeral Home.
The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Max Coots, pastor of the Unitarian Church in Canton, officiating. Cremation will follow and burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Saranac Lake Free Library or the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.
