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Dear Friends,<br />
This letter is usually the one that reflects on the prior year and looks ahead to the<br />
excitement of what lies before us in the New Year to come. Again, this letter will reflect,<br />
but the reflection will be about one of the most amazing people I have ever known, my<br />
mother, Elisabeth “Libby” Jones Grueninger.<br />
It is with great sadness that I’m announcing the passing of my beloved mother, Libby, on<br />
December 4, 2020 at the age of 88 after a brief illness.<br />
Rhine Falls, Switzerland<br />
I was so fortunate to see my mom nearly every day of her life until recently. As my Mom,<br />
she was always there for me. But then, I had the luxury of seeing her every day as we<br />
worked together for almost 25 years. I don’t recall a day going by without seeing her face.<br />
If I missed her at work, then we found ourselves discussing travel over dinner at their<br />
house or mine, only a trip could give this exception. I have been more fortunate than most<br />
to have had both a personal and business relationship with my mother and my father,<br />
Othmar, until they retired in 2016.<br />
Libby and Othmar were true visionaries; they revolutionized travel from the Hoosier state<br />
of Indiana. As Othmar was the face of the company, Libby tirelessly directed behind the<br />
scenes to ensure every trip exceeded every guest’s expectations. For the next 64 years, side<br />
by side, they brought the world to many Hoosiers both personally and professionally.<br />
Paris, France<br />
Libby met her husband, Othmar, on his very first European tour of which he coordinated<br />
for fellow students at DePauw University back in 1954. That tour ignited their love for each<br />
other, their passion for travel and their lifelong pursuit of exploring the world together. As<br />
a couple, they founded Grueninger Travel Service, pioneering the global travel business<br />
from Indianapolis. Their innovation transformed the business through specialization<br />
in group tours, cruises and adventure excursions. Year after year, Libby and Othmar’s<br />
dedication fueled the company’s growth and expansion.<br />
Under Libby and Othmar’s vision and leadership, they successfully lead 6-10 week long<br />
European tours. Their continued desire to fulfill travel dreams led to the creation of 12<br />
branch offices in Indiana and 3 in Massachusetts. This same desire drove a diversified<br />
expansion of product. To best exceed expectations in journeys to the Canadian Rockies<br />
and the 1967 World Expo, they took on ownership of 3 Pullman train cars. From train cars<br />
to privately owned motorcoaches for motorcoach tours, they also incorporated student<br />
travel, student performance travel and charters, both off season air to Spain and cruises<br />
on the Great lakes. Immersive experiences didn’t end there. Whether it be the beautiful<br />
Black Forest & Switzerland, (Othmar’s native home) or unveiling the mysteries of India,<br />
South Africa and China, Libby and Othmar mapped a way to share the world. Their one<br />
last expansion found them investing in the travel dreams of Ambassadair Travel Club<br />
members, which is still going strong today!<br />
Ephesus, Turkey<br />
For over 25 years, Libby’s devotion to music and theatre focused her attentions on<br />
New York City theatre tours. Mastering the art of picking the perfect show, the perfect<br />
restaurant and sharing her interest and insight in Broadway created unparalleled<br />
experiences by the many who travelled with Libby every year.<br />
over©Brocreative - stock.adobe.com<br />
50th Anniversary Cruise<br />
St. Kitt’s, West Indies<br />
1954 European Tour
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