Rev. Paul F. Grehl O.S.F.S.

Rev. Paul F. Grehl, O.S.F.S.

Fr. Paul Grehl passed away peacefully on May 21, 2015 at Bethany House, Jackson, MI, from lung cancer. He was 83.

Fr. Grehl was born to Paul and Minnie (Haag) Grehl in Newark, NJ on October 23, 1931. After graduating from West Side High School in Newark in 1949, he received an accounting degree from New York University. He entered the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in 1953 and prepared for priesthood at DeSales School of Theology-Washington, DC. He earned a MA degree in Guidance Counseling at Niagara University in 1958 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1960.

As a young Oblate Fr. Grehl taught at Salesianum HS in Wilmington, DE, St. Francis de Sales HS in Toledo, OH, and Fr. Judge HS in Philadelphia, PA. In 1962 he became Principal of Salesian HS - Detroit, MI and in 1970 of Aquinas HS - Southgate, MI. In 1975 he was transferred to DeSales HS - Lockport, NY. Two years later he was appointed Provincial Superior of the Toledo-Detroit Province. After completing two terms as Provincial, he served as chaplain and teacher at Lumen Christi HS - Jackson, MI. He also ministered at St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach, MI and the Jackson-area correctional facilities. He remained active in these apostolates until his death.

Fr. Grehl loved priestly ministry and Oblate community. He is remembered for his devoted work as teacher, chaplain and school administrator, his humorous homilies, sound advice, loyal friendship and love of the outdoors. Camp DeSales on Vineyard Lake was his home and passion. "It is all gift."

Fr. Grehl was preceded in death by his sister Gladys Bingham. He is survived by his brother Frederick Grehl of Brick, NJ and his nieces and nephews James and Cindy Grehl, Patty Grehl, Thomas and Joyce Grehl, Richard and Karen Bingham, Kenneth Bingham, Barbara Bingham and Mike Dymmel.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2015 from 4:00 - 8:30 PM with a Scripture Service at 7:30 PM at Lumen Christi High School Chapel, 3483 Spring Arbor Rd, Jackson, MI. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary on the Lake, 450 Manitou Rd, Manitou Beach, MI. Visitation will precede Mass from 9-11 AM and luncheon will follow at Sacred Heart Church Hall - Hudson, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lumen Christi Catholic High School, Camp DeSales, and Bethany House Hospice.

Please view and sign the online registry at desnoyerfuneralhome.com.

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