Cecelia Grunewaldt

Cecelia Ann Grunewaldt, 62, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Faulkton with Father Joji Itukulapati officiating. A wake service will be 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 24,, 2014 at the church. Inurnment will follow at a later date.

Cecelia was born on October 28, 1951 to Lawrence and Dorothy (Wieseler) Grunewaldt. Cecelia graduated from Faulkton High School and received her first degree from Nettleton College. She began working at Terrace Park Dairy in Sioux Falls and then moved to Pierre to eventually head the Securities Division, but with the lack of a law degree holding her back, so went back to school. Cecelia achieved her under grade and law degree from the University of South Dakota.

After earning her degrees in record time, Cecelia clerked for Judge Peder Ecker with bankruptcy court in Sioux Falls. On the completion of her clerkship, she worked in a law firm and eventually opened her own practice, specializing in business and bankruptcy law.

In 2003, she changed her career path and became the President of First Century Federal Credit Union in Sioux Falls. Cecelia was still actively involved in the day to day operations of the credit union at the time of her death.

On September 8, 1990 Cecelia was united in marriage to the love of her life, John Murphy. Before John's death in 2003, they were avid Sioux Falls Canaries fans and known for their fantastic 4th of July barbeques and fireworks shows. Cecelia enjoyed her flowerbeds, coy pond and was an avid reader.

Those left to treasure her memories are her parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Grunewaldt of Faulkton; three brothers: Paul (Jan) Grunewaldt of Sioux Falls, Ken Grunewaldt of Hayti and John (Nancy) Grunewaldt of Pierre; a sister, Joyce Grunewaldt of Eagle Butte; step son, Tim (Dawn) Murphy of Tea, SD; step daughter, Catherine (Todd) Bird of Lawrence, KS and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her husband John; and maternal and paternal grandparents.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Cecelia's arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Argus Leader on Mar. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Cecelia Grunewaldt

4 Entries

Debra Bollinger

March 26, 2014

Cecelia was well known to those of us who worked at the Division of Securities. During her tenure there, she helped create a good working environment and was well-respected by colleagues within the securities industry.

The Birds

March 24, 2014

We were so sorry to hear of Cecelia's unexpected passing. We send our deepest sympathies and love to the rest of her family and friends.

March 24, 2014

I send heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family of Cecelia. Cecelia I am so very thankful for our last visit you were a remarkable, frank and special lady that I am so proud to call "friend" I thank God for putting you in my life. I will miss you. I pray the Lord wraps all those who will be mourning your loss.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Luce Funeral Home - Faulkton

814 St. John Street PO Box 326, Faulkton, SD 57438

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