Final Salute

Grosslein, August E. Jr. “Duke” age 99, was born 5-31-1925 and passed away on 12-19-2024 at the Homestead of Anoka Assisted Living. Care by Allina Hospice, Allina Genevive Senior Care, and Home Instead Senior Care of Andover, 24-Hour In Home Care. Died from complications of Covid. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 Years, LaVerne Beckman Grosslein; daughter, Carolyn Grosslein; mother, Caroline Eggen Grosslein; father, August E. Grosslein Sr. “Gus”; step-mother, Eva Brandell; brother, Robert Grosslein; sister, Delores Ottenstroer; step-brothers, Robert Brandell; son, Todd Brandell and Clifford Brandell and Son, Ron Brandell. Duke was drafted into the Service in 1943. He served in the Seabees (Navy) for 3 years. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946. He returned to finish his senior year of high school at West High in Minneapolis, with enough credits to graduate with the Anoka Class of 1944. Duke returned to the family business, to work with his dad, “Gus”, and his brother, Bob. He married LaVerne Beckman on June 14th, 1947. Duke was Owner/Operator of Grosslein Beverages, Inc., Beer Distributor Solely since 1976, when his brother, Bob Grosslein retired. He ran the business until it was sold in 2009. Duke has been involved in many Civic Organizations over the years. Anoka Golf Club, for 60 years, Past President of the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers, Lifetime member of the Anoka Lions, Anoka American Legion Post 102, Past Commander of the Anoka VFW, Coon Rapids VFW, D.A.V. Minneapolis, Anoka Lodge #30. He has participated in the Scottish Rite USA, Zuhrah Shrine, and the Order of Elks. He sponsored numerous sports teams and helped many Community organizations throughout the years. Duke and his wife, LaVerne, enjoyed their winters in SE Florida at Bonita Beach. They had great fun with their Anoka Friends who came down to Florida for Minnesota Days in Fort Meyers. They cheered on the Minnesota Twins during Spring Training. He loved his entire family, being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his fun attitude, sense of humor, and lifelong passion for business. He will be dearly missed by all of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his daughter, Nancy Blaska (Thomas), and son, Dana Grosslein; grand- children; Brady (Nicole), Carrie (Ryan), Sarah (Jon); great-grand children, Maggie, Mary, Luke, Gavin, Allison, Hannah, Finnegan, Fiora and Faylin; nephews, Gary Bennett, Bob Grosslein, Kim Brandell, Jay Brandell, and Mark Brandell; niece, Karen Brandell (Johanns). The family would like to Thank the Staff at the Homestead of Anoka Assisted Living, The Home Instead Senior Care of Andover, Allina Genevive Senior Care and Allina Hospice. A very special Thank You to his 24 hour Caregivers: Dennis, Renee, Sheila and Karen. For their dedicated passionate care. Funeral Service is Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 4th Ave. South, Anoka, MN. 55303. Service at 11:00 AM. Visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Private Family Interment following the service. Luncheon following interment at Greenhaven Golf & Banquet Center, 2800 Greenhaven Rd., Anoka, MN 55303. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church of Anoka. Service will be Live Streamed and the link can be found on the funeral home website. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka, 763-421-0220 www.thurston-lindberg.com

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