Dennis Grunenwald, age 74, passed away Friday, July 2, 2021, at Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, in Byron Center, MI. Dennis was born March 3, 1947 in Wausau, WI to the late Douglas and Lorraine Grunenwald. He worked on his families dairy farm through his graduation from Wausau Senior High in 1965. Dennis was known as an excellent mechanic and electrician. He began his career as a mechanic at Ed’s Shell before moving to Joe’s Standard. Dennis also owned and operated The Chevy Shop from the late 1960’s until the time he moved to Michigan in 1994. Dennis began a 20 year career at Ward Paper as a Maintenance Mechanic in 1974. Dennis also served as Union President at Ward for many years. He continued as a maintenance mechanic in Michigan until the time of his retirement. Dennis was a founding member of the Merrill Ice Drags. He and his 1955 Chevy, “The Undertaker”, won several Championships throughout the 1970’s. He also completed a frame-off restoration of his 1958 Corvette, and won several awards and was featured in Car Shows in both Wisconsin and Michigan. In his younger years, Dennis was an avid bow hunter, played in the Merrill Slow Pitch Pot Belly League and the Merrill Men’s Monday Night Pool League. He was an avid gardener, starting plants for friends, family and growing enough to can and freeze, as well as share his bounty with others. His homemade salsa, horseradish, and dilly beans were always a welcomed gift. Dennis was a hard worker, always quick to lend a hand for all of his talents. He was a wise and gentle man.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Fern Pasholk, of Grand Rapids, MI as well as her extended family. Dennis previously married Augo Frazier in 1970. Dennis is survived by their daughter, Erika (David) Dombeck. He was the proud Grandfather of Wilson (Alex) Hanneman and Carter Clausen, all of Merrill. He is also survived by his step-grandsons, Will, Reed and Hugh Dombeck. He is further survived by his siblings David (Marianne) Grunenwald, Green Bay, Marilyn Burback, Eau Claire, and Karen Metz (Al Rossal), of Merrill.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 8, 2021, beginning at 1 PM at the Agra Pavillion, 404 South Park Street, Merrill, WI. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to The Glioblastoma Foundation or Merrill Ice Draggers.