James J. Grinsteiner

James Grinsteiner, 91, passed away peacefully Sunday evening at his home in Peshtigo with his loved ones. James "Jim" was born on April 1st, 1933, on a farm near the town of Halliday, ND. His parents were Michael and Katherine (Weninger) Grinsteiner. The Grinsteiner family moved to Stephenson, MI, in the fall of 1941 where his father Michael ran a small dairy farm. Jim graduated from Stephenson High School in 1952. Jim's ambition was to attend college and become an engineer, and he worked on the ore boats sailing the Great Lakes for several summers saving money for tuition. Jim attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology in Houghton, MI, in the fall of 1953 to study mechanical engineering.
Jim left college early and moved to California where he worked as a mechanical draftsman for several defense industries including Douglas Aircraft and Aero Jet General. In 1957 he received a draft notice and entered the U.S. Army where he served for two years until 1959. On May 12th, 1962, he married Delores (Doris) Jacques at St. Anthony's Church, in Marinette, WI.
Jim worked at International Harvester (later Navistar) in Melrose Park, Illinois from 1962 until retiring in 1992. At International and Navistar, Jim developed a reputation as a highly successful design engineer, creating design solutions to many complex engineering challenges. Jim's creativity and unique approach, combined with seemingly boundless energy turned many of his designs and engineering solutions into patents, some personal and others associated with his coworkers at International and other companies. One of his many patents includes a double seal thermostat, patented in 1988 and a high-pressure flex fitting, patented in 1994. Jim designed, patented and produced a sliding screen and glass door closer for many years before selling the company. Jim was a multi-talented craftsman, a builder of furniture, several beautiful homes and countless carpentry and mechanical projects. After retirement he continued to do CAD work from home for the next 32 years.
Jim applied his talents to his home church Calvary Church in Marinette, designing and assisting in the construction of the church on Hwy 64. It brought him much joy to be able to be a blessing with design work and carpentry. Jim was well known for his generosity and willingness to help others throughout his life.
Jim is survived by his wife Delores (Doris) of 62 years and his 3 sons, Leo (Sherry), Timothy (Gloriya), and Kurt (Nu) and seven grandchildren, Gabriel, Ariel (Rachel), Eitan, Avi, Lydiya, Sophia and Calvin; his sisters: Isabel Forry, Joan (Keith) Maier, Vicki Erbele, Marie Grinsteiner; and his brother, Dennis Grinsteiner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Katherine Grinsteiner; sisters Theresa Rife and Dolly Grinsteiner; his brothers, Frank Grinsteiner and Tony Grinsteiner.
Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M., and funeral service at 11 A.M. on Saturday, August 24th, at Calvary Church, W1498 State Hwy 64, Marinette, WI. A luncheon will follow the service at the church.