Gary Bertram Grunstad

Gary Bertram Grunstad
Gary B. Grunstad, 74, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025 with his loving family at his side.
Gary Bertram Grunstad was born July 22, 1950 to Curtis and Bernice (Sampson) Grunstad, in Ottawa, Illinois. He was a 1969 graduate of Ottawa Township High School. He married Vickie French April 7, 1973 at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Throughout his working career he was a roofer, a foreman at LOF and retired from his favorite job at Wallace Grade School as their custodian. Gary was always ready to help Wallace build props for plays, have fun with the students, and many every day laughs with his co-workers. He took pride in Wallace Grade School, keeping it clean and safe for the students and staff. Gary enjoyed fishing trips with his children and friends. Many times throughout the years you would find him camping at the Hennepin Canal fishing with his children and their friends. Trips were also taken to Kirksville, Missouri where more fishing "tales" would be told. He loved working in his yard and gardening. And his grandchildren brought him much joy.
Gary is survived by his wife, three children, Kiley Curtis (Jolinda) Grunstad of California, Beau Nicholas Grunstad and Brooke Eleanor (Jeffrey) DeGuilio, all of Illinois. Grandchildren Jennie Lynn (Tyler) Shimkus, Katelynn, Madison Grunstad, Nicholas, Jacob, Gabriella Grunstad, Sophia and Ava DeGuilio. His siblings Keith (Charlene) Grunstad, Kay Grunstad, Vicki Carroll, Brenda Grammer. Goddaughters, Sarah Hamann Brown and Christina "Kiki" Constantine. Daughter –in-law, Lamese Grunstad. Several nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death are his parents, Curtis and Bernice Grunstad, Nick and Eleanor Vukson, sister Cathy Grunstad-Brue; Grandparents Bertram and Clara (Classon) Sampson, Joe and Julie (Wicks) Grunstad.
Thank you to Compassus and their staff for the wonderful care they have given to our family.
Visitation for Gary will begin at 9 am Tuesday, April 8th followed by a funeral service at 11 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Phil Potaczek will officiate. Interment will follow in West Lisbon Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kiley Grunstad, Beau Grunstad, Nicholas Grunstad, Brooke DeGuilio, Jeff DeGuilio, Brenda Grammer, Dan Kain and Mike DeBernardi. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charities, or Trinity Lutheran Church, 717 Chambers, Ottawa, IL or St. Jude’s. To share a memory please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.