Memorials

Richard Dennis Grunstad, age 61, of Columbia City, died at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City. He had been in failing health for the past year.

He was born in Fort Wayne on March 23, 1946, the son of Chesleigh Scott Grunstad and Joann Marie (Dimmick) Tom.

He lived his entire life in the Whitley County area and graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1964. He served in the United States Army from 1965-1967 in the Vietnam War. He worked from 1965-1973 at Weatherhead Company, Columbia City and from 1973 to 1977 he owned Bamboo Lounge in Columbia City and in 1977 he operated the Clugston Hotel and then became a self employed cabinet maker and also operated the Grunstad Mowing and More.

He was a member of the American Legion #98 and Elks Lodge both of Columbia City.

Survivors include his son, Chandler Richard Grunstad of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Karen Grunstad, of Fort Wayne; his mother, Joann Marie Tom of Columbia City; 2 sisters, Beth Shoda and Jeanne Pfeiffer, both of Columbia City; several nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles, Jim & Carol Dimmick of South Whitley, Jerry & Jan Dimmick of Coldwater, Michigan, and Larry & Linda Tackitt of South Whitley.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Tom, grandparents Richards and Russell and Wanda Dimmick and his step-father, Vassie Tom.

Visitation will be held from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with funeral service following at 5 p.m. Sunday with Funeral Celebrants Eddie Beagles and Sharon Brockhaus officiating.

Memorial bequests may be given in Mr. Grunstad's memory to Whitley County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To send condolences to the family or to sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com