Final Salute

Stanley Albert Grunenwald, age 84, of Grand Rapids, MN died Monday, December 9, 2024 surrounded by family.

Stan was born to Herman and Frieda Grunenwald in Windom, MN in 1940 where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Aitkin High School in 1958 and then attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute for two years. After graduation, Stan worked in Illinois and Iowa for Fullerton Lumber Company. Stan enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a Seabee from 1961-1965. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Minnesota. On July 30, 1966, Stan and Mildred Gnahn were united in marriage at the Cedar Brook LCA Church in Aitkin, MN.

Stan was employed by Lampert Lumber Co, Arrowhead Lumber, Pacific Mutual Door Co, and Itasca Lumber. In 1996, Stan and Millie fulfilled their dream and started their own lumber yard, Sonrise Lumber. In retirement, Stan also served as a state building inspector for the cities of LaPrairie, Coleraine, Marble, and Calumet.

Stan was a member of the county planning commission and board of adjustment, the White Oak Tractor Club, Christ’s Crew, and served as building chair at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and as congregation chairman. He also volunteered with New Beginnings Pregnancy Center and as a 4-H leader. He enjoyed attending lutefisk suppers, auctions, gardening, and loved spending time with his family, especially at the annual reunion at Big Sandy Camp.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Mike Grunenwald; and sisters-in-law, Karoline and Benita Grunenwald, and Margaret Latvala.

Stan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Millie; children, Albert (Brenda) Grunenwald, Troy (Christine) Grunenwald, Melanie (Caleb) Schauer, Michele (Michael) Rovinsky, Heidi (Paul) Haddix, Steven (Kelly) Grunenwald; brothers, Paul and Dan Grunenwald; sister-in-law, Joan Grunenwald; 34 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and loving family.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10 am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, MN followed by the 11 am funeral service. Rev. Mark Peske will officiate. Burial and military honors will be at Hazelwood Cemetery, Blackberry Township, Grand Rapids, MN.

Memorials are preferred to Lighthouse Christian Academy or Disabled American Veterans.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.