Carter Lee “Ike” Grenz, 74, passed away on June 20, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Born on September 17, 1950, in Miles City, Montana, Ike was the son of Chrisian and Rose (Analuke) Grenz. He grew up above the 600 Café, with his yard just across the street at Grant’s Pool Hall a childhood that helped shape his self-described “street-wise kid”.
Ike attended Sacred Heart Grade School, and in fourth grade, he embarked on a memorable ocean voyage with his parents and older brother through the Caribbean Islands. By sixth grade, he and his brother Butch traveled through Europe and the Middle East with their mother, visiting England, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Egypt, Alexandria, and Israel.
He began high school at Custer County High in Miles City for 2 years and later graduated from Assumption Abbey in Richardton, North Dakota. During his high school summers, Ike was a standout athlete with Dave Rivene’s AAU swim team, becoming a two-time state champion in the 100-yard freestyle and diving and later winning a regional diving title.
After honorably serving in the U.S. Navy. Ike went traveling again to India and Pakistan picking up “Hippie Clothing” and brought samples back to see if it would be a good fit for the Hippie generation. Ike spent time in Missoula, Montana, where he had met his first wife, Marry Robin Crowe. They later divorced. Ike also attended the University of Montana for two years in his time in Missoula. His passion for travel and entrepreneurial drive led him to begin a company called Shanti Imports in Missoula with his close friend, Tom Murray. Moving back to Miles City, Ike began a realtor career working closely with Don Mullen. He later went to school retaining his realtor license starting his own realtor business called “Town and Country” for about 6 years. In his time in Miles City, Ike was engaged to Patty Ryum having one son together, Hunter. They later went their separate ways.
Later, Ike and Tom settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they became involved in the oil lease business. Ike also dabbled in the stock market and maintained a lifelong love for travel. During his travels, He and his mother took many remarkable trips together including a trip to the Himalayan Mountains to see the Dalai Lama. Ike then moved to Flippin, AK where he built his own home along the White River. After a couple years there he moved to Florida and built a home eventually returning to Tulsa, where he and Tom remained close, living just 45 minutes apart until Tom’s sudden passing, just five days before Ike.
A true adventurer, Ike shared countless trips and memories with lifelong friends who had roots in Miles City — including Ralph Turley, Leif Ronning, Jim Pruitt, Ted Lovec, Mike Bradley, Tom Murray, and Gill Burdett. Later, his son Hunter joined their circle for travels ranging from Grand Canyon floats and Las Vegas getaways to motorhome adventures down Australia’s Gold Coast, Cambodia, Bali, Japan, South Korea, Philippine Islands, Fiji Islands, Cuba many times. December trips to Mexico became a cherished tradition.
Ike is survived by his son, Hunter (Rula) Ryum, and granddaughter, Layla, of Las Vegas, NV; his brother, Butch (Gloria) Grenz; nephew, Jonas Grenz, and daughter, Ari, of Bozeman, MT; nieces Trini Nixon, of Kent, WA, and Johna Grenz (Jon Miloy), and son, Oliver, of Miles City, MT.
He was preceded in death by his parents; half-sisters Sheila Koon, Joan Marie, Marcella Olson, and Betty Wilhelm; half-brothers James “Spike” Grenz, Tom Grenz, Gardner Grenz; and his dear friend, Tom Murray.
Ike was an animal lover; he always had a dog as his travel partner. He even made a special seat in his travel van so his dog could look out the window. Ike will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial energy, and the lasting friendships he cultivated throughout his life. His family and many friends will miss him deeply and cherish the many memories he helped create.
Ike Grenz, age 74, of Miles City
September 17, 1950 – June 20, 2025
Janet Klein says
Grenz family…I am so sorry for the loss of Ike. May he rest in peace.
Tracee Raymond says
To the Grenz family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Ike was a great guy and will be surely missed by those who knew him. Your all in my thoughts and prayers. Rip Ike!
Garth Sleight says
Butch and rest of Grenz family, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Ike. Though I never knew him, I have great respect for the Grenz family. God bless you and you mourn the passing of Ike.
MARTHA Crandall says
My sympathy