John R. Grinna

John Richard Grinna, age 73, of Decorah, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held from 12 Noon to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Nob Hill Supper Club in rural Decorah. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life with stories, pictures, and music that was special to him. A private memorial service will be held for family members, preceding the celebration event. John was born on March 22nd, 1944 in Seattle, Washington to Marlin and Vivian (Vick) Grinna. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1963. He married Cheryl Grinna in June 1966. Over the next 11 years, the couple had 3 children. John worked his entire career at the family business, Vick’s Heating, Plumbing & Ventilating, up to his retirement. John enjoyed fishing, hunting, trips to his secret morel gathering grounds, and visits to “the Boat” in Marquette. He also enjoyed his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, to whom he could never refuse a request to go fishing. During his retirement, John continued to assist with the family business. He was also known to drive about Decorah with his pet Yorkie, Oscar, on the quest for the ever-elusive winning lottery ticket. John will be lovingly remembered by his three children: Scott (Amy) Grinna of West Bend, WI, Stacey (Collin) McElree of Decorah and Steven (Lisa) Grinna of Decorah; 10 grandchildren: Kelsey Grinna, Abigail Grinna, Kjersten Grinna, Gunnar Grinna, Anika Grinna, Cooper McElree, Mack McElree, Evan Buechel, Colin Buechel, and Nolan Buechel; two sisters, Linda (Reg) Wicks of Crownsville, Maryland and Mimi (Dennis) Wilkins of Castalia, Iowa; one brother, Jim (Londa) Grinna of Decorah; his mother-in-law, Betty Lundt of Decorah; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Cheryl Grinna preceded him in death in April 2015. The family thanks the entire Palliative Care Team at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin for their dedication and care to John and the family. For those who wish to do so, memorial donations in memory of John may be made to: Gundersen Medical Foundation, 1836 South Avenue, La Crosse, WI 54601.