Don W. Grundel

Don Wesley Grundel, age 90, of Elk Rapids, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Munson Medical Center. He was born April 24, 1926 in Elkhart Indiana to Alfred and Gene (Ziegler) Grundel.

Don graduated from Traverse City High School in 1944 and enlisted in the US Army. He served his country for two years before returning home. Don married the late Merris Matteson in 1946 and the late Elizabeth (Converse) Barnes in 1972.

Don spent most of his working life as a tool and dye maker, but he was a jack of all trades. He worked in several different businesses doing anything from handy man work to metal work and everything in between. Don has played the clarinet since he was a young boy. He played with many groups over the years and it was a real passion for him. He also enjoyed woodworking, racing cars, and tinkering with cars or anything that needed to be fixed.

Don will be greatly missed by his children: Dennis (Elaine) Grundel of Rapid City and Shawn (Robert) Davis of Big Rapids; step children: John (Kim) Barnes and Cheryl Barnes-Dunham; grandchildren: Michael Grundel, Laura Moser, Schatzie (David) Shephard, Angela Pattison, Randy (Val) Pattison, Matthew (Ashley) Davis, and Kylie Davis; step grandchildren: Jennifer, Susan, Bobbie, Jessica, and Chrissy; very special friends and neighbors: Denny and Rachel Bezile, and beloved dogs: Cubby and Spike. Besides his parents, Don was preceded in death by both wives, Merris and Elizabeth, a daughter Ann Murray; a half-brother, Arvid Grundel; step son Richard Barnes; and step grandson, Ricky.

A visitation was held Monday, February 27, 2017 from 6 to 8 pm at the Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids. A funeral was held Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 11 am, also at the funeral home. Don was laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions in Don's name were directed to the Elk Rapids Am. Vets or the Elk Rapids Band Boosters.

Arrangements were entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.