Donald Grunnes

Donald C. Grunnes, age 85, of NE Minneapolis, MN, was graciously taken home to heaven by the Lord on January 30, 2016. Donald was born May 24, 1930 in Doran, Burnett County, WI. He attended Shell Lake High School and then graduated from Webster High School in 1948. Don worked on a farm in North Dakota after high school and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on January 5, 1951, during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force on November 30, 1954, Don went on to meet the woman who would become his wife, Eleanor Huls. Donald and Eleanor were married on July 14, 1956 in Coomer, WI. Don attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He competed in the national judging of dairy products, and received the first place award in butter and the fourth place award in ice cream. Following graduation, he worked at National Butter Company in Saint Paul, MN, for 2 ½ years. For the next 34 years, Don was employed by Germantown Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia, PA. Before his death, Don enjoyed 20 years of retirement, spending numerous winters in Scottsdale, AZ. On his way down to Arizona, he would always visit with friends in Texas. Don enjoyed hunting, golfing, and socializing with friends and family. He also enjoyed Seniors Dining in Fridley, MN. For the past few years, Don has chronicled his friends, the people he met, and his life experiences through his drawings. Don is survived by wife of 59 ½ years, Eleanor; sons: Don (Deborah) Grunnes and Dale Grunnes; grandchildren: Derek and JoAnna; sisters: Bethel Lammert and Anna Mae (Philip) Gerber; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Ellen. Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at a graveside committal service for Don at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Lorain Cemetery (Union Township), 40th Street at 350th Ave., Indian Creek, in Polk County, WI. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dean Gade, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (LCMS) in NE Minneapolis, MN, and will conclude with full military honors. Final service arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.