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Alonzo "Lonnie" William Griesbaum

Louisville, Ky

May 8, 1952 - June 30, 2021

May 8, 1952 - Jun 30, 2021

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Lonnie Griesbaum

Griesbaum, Alonzo William “Lonnie”
69, passed away June 30th, 2021 after a brief battle with lung cancer.
He was born in Louisville, Ky on May 8th, 1952

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Anthony and Mary Rita Hayden Griesbaum; Sister, Marian Kay Griesbaum; former spouse, Donna Smitha Griesbaum; and his daughter, Shannon Lea Griesbaum McKeehan.

Lonnie is survived by his sweetheart, Joyce Hall; two daughters, Lisa Bennett (Mark) and Jennifer Griesbaum: two sons, Frederick Griesbaum (Chelsea) and Tyler Hall; stepdaughter, Melissa Hall; sister, Regina Mudd (Ray); brother, Paul Griesbaum; nine grandchildren, Kathryn, Alice, Franki, Severin, Hayden, Carly, Cody, Kiya, & Meg; son-in-law, John McKeehan; husband-in-law, Doug Hall (George); three nieces, Emily, Anna, & Dana; dog, Neeno; cat, Sony; many cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

He was a graduate of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School (1966), DeSales High School (1970), and Indiana University (1978). He studied Business Economics and Journalism. It has been said that while serving on the Student Body Counsel of Elections, he ran for “Student Body Dictator”. Placing posters on campus with pics of himself shoveling dung with the words “No more shit”. He was reprimanded, however, was not expelled because his GPA was so high. Lonnie was able to put his background in economics to use during the 2020 shutdown by teaching an online class to his grandson, great niece & nephew. He was unanimously proclaimed teacher of the year.

Lonnie had many unique jobs over the years including, lawn care, Radio host at the public library, heating & air sales, cab driver, musician, and professional painter. His most favorite and recent job (hobby) was the co-host of Back Tracks with Lonnie and Rip on 106.5 WFMP-FM. Every week for the last 5.5 years, Lonnie could be heard sharing local music and interviews of the past. His family and friends, especially his brother Paul, loved tuning in every Sunday to hear him.

On May 25th, 1987, he joined Alcoholics Anonymous and spent the rest of his life happy, joyous, and free! Lonnie started dating the love of his life, Joyce on April 1st, 1995. They were so in love and inseparable all the way to the moment of his passing. She was everything to him. His second love was music, specifically, rhythm and blues. He played guitar in several bands starting in his teenage years. Third Rock, Poor Richards Almanac, Jaywalkers, & Grove City to name a few. He had a passion for history, genealogy, and politics.

Lonnie was a comedian, coffee lover (black in a Thornton’s cup), self proclaimed Democratic Socialist, smart, kind, gentle, and peaceful. This partner, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, friend, musician, Louisville legend will be missed every single day. We love our Lonnie G!!!!!

A memorial is in the planning. Stay tuned to this website and social media for details. Private burial at a later date.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Cancer Society.

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