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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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James Grunwald Obituary
He was born June 17, 1934, in rural Steele County near Ellendale, Minnesota the son of Arthur and Pearl (Thompson) Grunwald. He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1952 and began working in the creamery industry. He began driving milk routes for Nelson Dairy in 1952, followed by Marigold Dairy.
He then began working at the New Richland Creamery, Claremont Creamery, and Waseca Creamery in management positions and as a butter maker, earning multiple awards. James later started traveling, working in outside sales for Owatonna Creamery Supply, Land O'Lakes and Kendall Co. He was one of the original partners forming Lincoln Suppliers Inc. in Owatonna, MN, in 1980 and would retire on June 1, 2011. James married Helen Wilkenson on August 27, 1955, in New Richland, MN. They were blessed with three children together.
James enjoyed classic cars, owning multiple Mustangs throughout his life, golfing, attending stock car races and traveling in his motor home. He enjoyed taking multiple trips with his wife Helen to Branson, MO, and the Black Hills. He also was an active member, allocating time and resources to the Shriners, Elks, Eagles and Trinity Lutheran Church, Owatonna
He is survived by daughter, Susan (and Robert) Fritz of Waseca; sons, Brian (and Julie) Grunwald of Waseca, Michael Grunwald (and Shirlyn Lee) of Edina; grandchildren; Lindsey Fritz (and Jason Esse), Carley (and Eric) Gleason, Jayson Fritz, Adam (and Jessica) Grunwald, and Chad Grunwald (and Jessica Royer), 12 great grandchildren, Fynlee, Crosby, Vienna, Bristol, Scarlett, Sullivan, Caden, Paxton, Hudson, Kayson, Ashton and Oaklyn.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Helen Grunwald in 2023; parents, siblings Laurel Grunwald and Maxine Anderson, and brother-in-law John "Jack" Wilkenson.
Funeral services will be held August 6, 2025, at 11:00AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with a visitation from 9AM-11AM. Interment will be in the St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church of Owatonna, or to the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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