Robert Gruenenfelder
(1922-? )
Inducted 1990
Continuing in the tradition of his grandfather Boniface, Robert Gruenenfelder was a teacher of music. Born in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, his education included The College of St. Thomas where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Music Education and was Student Director of the Band and Orchestra. Gruenenfelder also attended The University of Minnesota for Graduate Studies and The University of Nortre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. From 1950 to 1983 Robert was a High School Music Educator in the St. Paul area and at Public Schools in Hastings & Rosemount. Gruenenfelder was a professional cornetist who performed with several Twin Cities jazz musicians and groups including Doc Evans, Harry Blons, The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band, Banjo Brass, The Como Park Summer Pops Orchestra, and was leader of The Minnesota Vikings Dixieland Band. He made many radio appearances including KNUJ in New Ulm, WCCO in Minneapolis, KMSP in the Twin Cities, and was in the Staff Orchestra at KSTP in St Paul. Robert appeared on The Art Ford Jazz Party television program on KSTP-TV. He provided musical direction for The Jimmy Durante Show and Brothers and Sisters. Traveling internationally to The 1990 Nagasaki Exposition in Japan, Gruenenfelder played with The Barbary Coast Dixieland Band.
