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BORN
1947
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Grunkemeyer Obituary
Michael L. Grunkemeyer of Williamsburg, VA, formerly of Cincinnati, OH died peacefully on May 8, 2017 at the age of 69. Mike was the beloved husband of 47 years to Tricia (Barton) Grunkemeyer. Devoted father of Katie (Brad) Mayfield of Allen, TX, Carrie (Matt) Robeson of Richmond, VA, Kevin Grunkemeyer of Baltimore, MD, and Meghan Grunkemeyer of Baltimore, MD. Mike was the proud grandfather (PopPop) to his 5 grandchildren: Madeline and Michael Mayfield of Allen, TX and Griffin, Whitney and Payton Robeson of Richmond, VA. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Mary Jane Grunkemeyer of Cincinnati, OH and his sister-in-law, Pat (Loggins) Grunkemeyer. He is survived by his sister, Shirley (Spencer) Cowles of Harrisonburg, VA and brother, Joe Grunkemeyer of Ellijay, GA as well as many nieces and nephews. Mike was a graduate of Purcell High School in Cincinnati, OH (1965) and The University of Cincinnati (1969). Mike began his professional career with Gillette and Mutual Supply before joining Ferguson Enterprises in 1983. He served as President and General Manager of the Tampa and Dallas locations and in 1991, Mike relocated to Ferguson's Corporate Headquarters fulfilling many executive leadership roles including serving as Ferguson's Senior VP of Business Development to becoming Director of Business Development for its parent company, Wolseley plc. He retired in 2009 and later became one of the company's first retired executives elected to its Board of Directors. Mike treasured his time mentoring colleagues and associates and was known for thinking outside the box, big picture resolutions, and living out the quote of his childhood hero, Davey Crockett, "Be always sure you are right - then go ahead." In 2012, he went on to fulfill a lifelong dream of starting a family company with his children, ENTOS, LLC. Mike worked hard to provide for his adoring family and loved traveling with his wife, Tricia, family and dear friends. He especially cherished time at his home in Williamsburg with loved ones and his annual family beach week in the Outer Banks, NC. Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a big believer that "charity begins at home," so in lieu of flowers, please celebrate your life with experiences and spend time with those you love ~ in his honor. His family will receive guests from 5 - 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. Condolences may be shared at:
www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Grunkemeyer
Sponsored by Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg.
Kate Reck
July 22, 2019
Dear Trish (Brown Eyed Girl),
This week, with the celebration of Man in the Moon you and Mike have been on my mind. We saw Neil Armstrong take that walk together. Then tonight I made a recipe you gave me in those early days, and I looked you up and there was Mike. I am so very sorry, Trisha. It looks like you had a great life together. My Gary died suddenly in June, 2008. Our husbands sound so similar in their pursuits and life story. Both great guys.
My love to you. I have thought of you often over the years.
Kate Verplank Reck
Bob Goshorn
September 27, 2017
Had "Mr. Grunkemeyer" for Economics at McNicholas HS in Cincinnati in 1969.
Kept us in stitches, but was a great teacher. He told us what would be on the test, it was, and we learned...had a great time doing so
May 21, 2017
So sorry to have heard about Mike, Tricia. Always the gentleman, and so enjoyable to be around. Always full of life, and stories. Our prayers are with you and your family. Fondly, Kathy and Bill Shaw
May 17, 2017
Sorry for ur loss . Prayers for your family
Paul J Schnieders,
[email protected]
John Holtmann
May 14, 2017
Even though both years and miles separated us, I have fond Purcell High School memories of Mike. Condolences to all his family. John Holtmann
David Kirby
May 13, 2017
One of the kindest, most loving people I have ever met. The world is a dimmer place without him.
John Nordloh
May 13, 2017
Tricia, So sorry to hear of Mikes passing. "Grunk" was always the "ring leader" of our adelesent circus. A talent, judging by the comments and pictures, that he never lost. Be consoled by the time and memories you've shared and enjoy that beautiful family. God Bless.
Beatrice Sanford
May 13, 2017
Dear Tricia,
I am so sorry to learn that Mike is no longer with us. The world is a little less bright without his beacon of light and love. His devotion to you and his family was so inspiring to me. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
May 12, 2017
Mike and Tricia, Tricia and Mike, what a great team! Mike is physically gone but his legacy lives on through Katie, Brad, Maddie, Michael, Carrie, Matt, Griff, Whitney, Peyton, Kevin and Meghan, something to be so proud of and he was, what a legacy! This weekend, seeing his family and friends, saying goodbye was tough but so happy that he had brought us all together again. Well done, Mike. I will deeply miss the Mike half of Mike/Tricia on our trips and time together but the memories are priceless. Tricia, you are always in my thoughts and prayers, sending lots of hugs your way. Zoe
Joe and Pat Kail
May 12, 2017
Dear Tricia and Family no one could ask for a better person or friend than Mike and he will be solely missed by all. His love for life, laughs and people will never be forgotten. I have only the happiest of memories of him and you. God Bless.
Lee Nordloh
May 12, 2017
Mike was my Economics teacher at McNicholas High School where I learned 'real' economics. I still remember him after all these years. Great guy, Tricia is a treasure too. Sorry for your loss
May 12, 2017
To the Grunkemeyer Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Grunkemeyer was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed.
Molly Couzins
May 12, 2017
Dear Tricia, I am deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing. While it has been some years since Mike and I have been together, I have fond memories of our high school years and our( both of you) times together. God bless Mike, you and the family. Affectionately, Jed O'Connell
Sean Kreps
May 12, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Our family's prayers are with you. Sincerely, Sean Kreps
Joe & Peggy Kuhr
May 12, 2017
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
the rain fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
God Bless You Michael Grunkemeyer.
May 12, 2017
Sorry my computer stopped in mid message to finish an excellent business man. I had the great pleasure of dealing with mike when he was at Ferguson. . I always enjoyed our business discussions as I would attempt to pick his brain about the future. The plumbing industry has lost a great man. Be well grunkemeyer family.
Lance and Mary ladehoff
Dayton,Ohio
Marianne Schnieders Johnson
May 12, 2017
I have fond memories of our family get togethers in Cincinnati and always remember Mike as loving and kind. He welcomed everyone with his smile! Great memories! With sadness and prayers for the family.
Kevin Read
May 12, 2017
Grunkemeyer Family,
Mike was a tremendous mentor and the biggest influence in my career at Ferguson. I was his first trainee in Tampa May of 1984, he taught me a lot about business but more importantly about life treated me like a brother. He will be truly missed. May your always cherish the special times with him.
God Bless you all.
Blake Richardson
May 11, 2017
My prayers go out to all of you who have truly lost a great friend, Mike was a great man and will truly be missed by all. I know he is in heaven looking down on us all having a natural beer. He was my mentor and is the very reason I am with Ferguson today, what a wonderful man..
You will be missed Mike!
Melissa S.
May 11, 2017
Mrs. Grunkemeyer,
My prayers are with you and your family in the loss of Mr. Grunkemeyer. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything.
May 11, 2017
Mike was a fellow Bearcat and helped me out with a lot of good advice and knowledge during my career. We both also worked at Mutual, but not at the same time. God bless Mike and the Grunkemeyer family. Mark Patton
STEPHEN HICKS
May 11, 2017
Mike is the reason I am still with Ferguson Enterprises. Without his friendship and leadership, I don't know where I would have wound up. Rest easy, and well done.
Robin Hilton
May 11, 2017
Tricia,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. He was wonderful to work with- simultaneously challenging us to be better and supporting us when needed. We always knew how important his family was to him. Your Ferguson family morns with you.
Robin Hilton
Johnny Francum
May 11, 2017
Words can't express the sympathy I have for Tricia and the family. I was fortunate enough to have worked under Mike for a few years at Ferguson and it wasn't until later in my career that I realized the positive impact he has had on me and those that he worked with. As a business owner, to this day I still quote him and often ask myself when faced with big decisions, what would Grunk do? Thank you Mike.
Jill (Causby) Skerlak
May 10, 2017
I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. I have such fond memories of my employment at Ferguson/Plumb Source and I had the utmost respect for Mike. I also thought a lot of your family and will certainly keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Griffin
May 10, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Mary Carol and John Melton
May 10, 2017
Dear Tricia- I am so sad to learn of Mike's death. I have such fond memories of you and Mike going back to high school. I can't imagine the pain of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Kucia
May 10, 2017
Dear Tricia and Family,
Mary and I just learned of the death of your dear husband, Michael.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss.
I so wish we had spent more time connecting at our Purcell Marian 50th a few years back.
Mike was a stellar, class individual. We were all fortunate to have known him.
Warm Regards,
John Kucia
Edi Gougherty
May 10, 2017
Dear Tricia and family, the news of Michael' s passing saddened us greatly. Know that memories of happier days and your strong faith will help you through this difficult time. Right now it seems nearly impossible to move on, but time will help heal the heavy hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all....
Fondly, Edi, Joe and Stefan
Eddie Rhoads
May 10, 2017
Tricia and Family, so sad to hear of Mike's passing. I literally ran into him at Kitchen and Bath a couple of years ago...seeing him for the first time in many, many years. I learned a lot about leadership from him in my days working for him in Dallas.
Prayers for you and the family.
Eddie
Stephanie Schroer Tippett
May 10, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure to work for Mike at Ferguson and also the joy of getting to know Tricia and watch Meghan during their travels. He was always so kind and such a joy to work for! My thoughts and prayers to you all!
Alan and Sue Farrow
May 10, 2017
Tricia, We are saddened to learn of Mike's passing and extend our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Alan and Sue Farrow
Beach Pic 2015
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Beach Pic 2016
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Mom and Dad with grandkids 2014
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Relaxing at the pool - Beach 2015
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Alaska 2011
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Beach Week 2016
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Kevin and Dad Alaska 2012
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Dad - Alaska 2012
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Father's Day 2015
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Beach Photo Bomb 2015
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
France 2007
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Alaska Cruise 2011
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Beach 2015
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Beach 2015
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Mom and Dad - Tulips
Carrie Robeson
May 10, 2017
Jane and Doug Kieninger
May 10, 2017
I will always remember Mike like this picture says - so friendly, so fun, so kind to everyone. Tricia and family, I know you have great memories, hope they offer you some peace. Our deepest sympathy. Jane and Doug Kieninger
May 10, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalm 29:11
VM
May 10, 2017
My Deepest Sympathy.
Joh.11 : 25
1Cor.1 : 3
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May
12
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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