John Richard Grinna

Monday, May 22, 2017 4:03 pm

John Richard Grinna, 73, of Decorah, Iowa, died Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis., surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of John’s life is Saturday, May 27, from noon to 4 p.m., 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. The family thanks the entire Palliative Care Team at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis. 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.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.

John was born March 22, 1944, in Seattle, Wash. 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 three children.
John worked his entire career at the family business, Vick’s Heating, Plumbing and 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, Wis., 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, Md. and Mimi (Dennis) Wilkins of Castalia; 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.