On the morning of Tuesday, December 29, 2015, Dallas Michael Grekoff passed away peacefully. A resident of Prior Lake, Dallas was 73 years old.
The family will greet family and friends on Sunday, January 3 from 4-7 pm and on Monday, January 4 from 9-11 am, with the rosary at 9:30 am, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. Immediately following the visitation a luncheon will be served at the Parish of St. Joachim and Anne (St. Mark) 350 Atwood Street, Shakopee. A Mass of Christian Burial will then follow the luncheon at 1 pm, at the church. Father Erik Lundgren will preside. Pall bearers will be Kyle Hinrichsen, Kole Hinrichsen, Jordan Harris, Ellijah Maze, Ryan Bissonett and Thomas Grekoff. Dallas will be laid to rest at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery.
Dallas was born on November 4, 1942 in Mason City Iowa to Mike (Matty) and Norma (Conibear) Grekoff of Nora Springs, IA. He was the older brother to Richard. As a young boy Dallas loved to play football and baseball. He continued his love of sports by coaching his children in baseball. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports as their #1 fan.
Attended University of Northern Iowa, Dallas received a teaching degree. He married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Schell on August 29, 1964, at Holy Family Catholic Church, in Mason City, Iowa. After college graduation, Dallas took his newlywed wife to live in Louisville, Kentucky. He was very active in the community as a JC member and had met several lifelong friends. His family had grown to include six healthy children, Todd, Kimberly, Troy, Melinda, Melissa and Karla.
In 1975, Dallas moved his family back home to Nora Springs, IA, where he had managed the family seed business, Hofler Seed Company. In 1987, his career had led him to Savage, MN as managing Peterson Seed Company, which later grew into his own company Grassland Central. During this time Dallas became a leader and spokesperson for the Seed Industry with the following noted achievements: Member of First Research Committee 1989-1992, Independent Professional Seedsmen Association for Outstanding Service from 1992-1998, Fourth President of the Independent Professional Seedsmen Association 1995-1996, Director of the Canadian Seed Trade Association 1998, President of the Norther Seed Trade Association 2000-2001, Premier Seedsmen Award for Exemplary Service to the Seed industry presented in 2004. Dallas best described his years in the industry as such, “I’ve been in the business for about 36 years. During that time, I’ve met some of my closest friends who are also in the seed industry.”
Dallas retired in 2011 with a celebration of family and friends. After retirement he had more time to enjoy spending time with family. Family was the most important aspect of his life. His wife, children, and grandchildren gave him the greatest joy.
Dallas will be remembered for his big heart, the generosity he gave towards others and his wonderful understanding character. He will be missed for his sense of humor and the unique nicknames Dallas gave to the ones he loved. Dallas’ personality always stood out in a crowd and so did his fun and crazy ties.
Forever loved and missed, Dallas is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Loretta (Schell) Grekoff; children, Todd (Jessica) Grekoff of Mankato, MN, Kimberly (Scott) Hinrichsen of Farmington, Troy (Vanessa) Grekoff of Cascade, IA, Melinda (Robert) Bissonett of Lakeville, MN, Melissa (Michael) Williams of Lakeville and Karla (Mark) Snyder of Holmen, WI. His grandchildren include: Kyle (Dee), Kayla (Aaron), Jordan, Kourtney, Ryan, Kole, Ellijah, Reagan, Olivia, Thomas, Claire, Matlyn, Isabelle; mother Norma Grekoff of Hudson, WI; brother, Richard (Mary) Grekoff of Hudson, WI; and other relatives and friends.
Dallas is preceded in death by his father, Mike (Matty) Grekoff.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Grekoff family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
