The Superior Express -

Donald Leo Grelinger, 79, of Beloit, Kan., was born July 12,1942. He died July 5, 2022, after a short illness at the Mitchell County Hospital. He was the youngest of seven children born to Anthony and Sophia (Schauf) Grelinger. Don grew up on the family farm 5 miles north of Beloit in Mitchell County along with his siblings: Lawrence, John, Paul, Norbert, Robert and Margaret. Don attended first grade at Plum Creek country school (affectionately called Plum Creek University). The following years he attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Schools, except for his junior year, when he lived on the Montrose farm in Jewell County working and attending school.

Don was married to Elaine Murray on Oct. 5, 1963, at St. Theresa's Church, Mankato. Later this marriage dissolved. To this union three daughters were born: Karen Sue, Pamela Dawn and Sherry Beth. Elaine preceded him in death Dec. 23, 2018.

Don was a lifelong, faithful and active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, often attending daily mass, also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Eagles Club.

After attending school in Wichita, he worked as a barber in McPherson, Salina and then returned to Beloit, setting up shop on the main floor of the Porter Hotel. As people drove by, all could see him through the large window.

A severe auto accident in 1988 took him away from barbering. Don also had an inherited passion for farming, partnering with some of his brothers.

The Captain's Quarters, which he owned and managed for years, was a big part of Don's life. The Quarters' first location was at Highway 24 and Main Street. His establishment seemed to bust at the seams, wall to wall people with bands most every Friday and Saturday night. Since the building was filled to capacity so often, Don saw the need to expand and built a larger Captain's Quarters operating on Highway 24 for several years. Probably, as some may know Don, saw a profit to be had, sold the building and moved the business to the old Elks Club, now known as the Down Under. Don was a guy that burned the candle on both ends.

In Don's later years, he helped local farmers with harvest and field work. He had a passion for transforming a field of trees to a field of dreams, removing hundreds of trees, increasing the value of the land. This was a project he continued until his death. His close friend and business partner recently toured their properties and had a great day. Don was very peaceful and happy that day and felt "caught up" on the farm work.

There are many stories to tell about Don, but best be told by his many friends. For sure, they will tell you he had 9 lives and was on number 30. Don was blessed to be able to receive the Sacraments of the Church from Fr. Rockers before his death. Don was deeply devoted to The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Rosary and his faith. May his soul rest in peace.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Lawrence (Marge), John (Carol), and Paul Grelinger and his Godson Dustin Fuller.

Don is survived by his daughters, Karen (Jeff) Smith of Holderge, Neb.; Pam (Eldon) Dunstan, Sherry (Rob) Partridge all of Mankato, and Jennifer Thomas of Augusta, Kan.; grandchildren Trevor (Abigail) Elkins, Trenton (Amanda) Elkins, Taylar Elkins, Tiarra (Jordan) Cluck, Caleb (Tiffany) Odle, Cailyn Smith, Brennan Williams and Brooke Williams, Brooke (Bryan) Randa, Kaitlyn (Nick) Dunn, Baylie Dunstan, Karrigan Dunstan, Colton Huncovsky and Cade (Mariah) Huncovsky; 28 great-grandchildren with one on the way; brothers Norbert of Beloit, Robert (Susan) of Wichita, sister Margaret (Don) Keeler of Oak Island, N.C.; and sister-in-law Mary Ann Grelinger of Kansas City.

Visitation at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, was Friday, July 8, from 6 to 7 p.m. with a vigil and rosary service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 9, at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. John's Memorial Trust, Cornerstone Charitable Foundation, and Masses to the Church in care of Schoen Funeral Home and Monuments 302 N. Hersey Ave. Beloit, Kan. 67420. Online condolences can be sent to schoenfhm.com.