On Saturday, May 20, 2017 at St. Francis Regional Medical with family surrounding, Jim Grundmeyer, of Shakopee, MN, passed away peacefully at the age of 74.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, May 24 at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, all at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church 12700 Marystown Road, Shakopee, MN. Pastor Mark L. Schwertfeger will preside. Urn bearers will be Tom Hawker and Shawn Skramstad. Jim will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Home Cemetery, Sleepy Eye, MN.
On July 17, 1942 in Sleepy Eye, James Joel was born to parents, Theodore Edward and Amanda Louise (Fluegge) Grundmeyer. The youngest of seven, he grew up in Sleepy Eye, MN. His father was a police officer and his mother cared for the family. As a young boy, Jim learned to be respectful, hardworking and responsible, taught firmly by his parents. As he was growing up, someone would ask who’s here, they’d say it’s ‘just Jim’. This little phrase became his signature. ‘Just Jim’, ‘Just dad’ or ‘Just grampa’.
At the proud age of 10, Jim’s first job was as a paperboy. At age 15, Jim started working at National Foods grocery, where his produce displays were second to none. He became the manager after graduating from New Ulm High School in 1960. Jim used his knowledge of working with people and took to the road as an over the road salesman. Through his career, Jim sold seed corn, animal supplements, and even cars. He began working for Skyline Displays in 1994. Jim ended his career at Northstar Auto Auction. He always said if you can’t dazzle them with your brilliance; baffle them with your BS.
On September 14, 1963, Jim married Kathleen Anderson. They were blessed with daughters, Kayla and Karae. Jim and Kathleen shared 23 years together. He married Marlys Skramstad on December 18, 1986. Jim welcomed a stepson Shawn into his life. They were together for 10 years, before she passed away. Jim’s life was blessed once again. He married Dianne Schommer on September 20, 2003 and welcomed her children, Brian, Stacy, Michael and Tracy into the family.
Jim had many passions and interests. He was a gifted craftsman of wood. Jim spent hours in his shop creating, refinishing furniture and upholstery. In his earlier years, Jim built a greenhouse where the family sold plants and Christmas trees. He was an avid bird watcher, enjoyed relocating squirrels and competing in Christmas lighting contests. Jim loved to sing and dance. Singing in a men’s barbershop group was a highlight. He enjoyed the North Shore, traveling the US and even overseas. It was the Grundmeyer family reunions that brought him the greatest joy… holding the record of attending 100%.
Faith, family, friends and fun were what completed Jim. He was always dedicated to his faith and participated in church life. Jim’s family was his life and he relished every moment spent with them. He loved the fellowship of others and being part of their lives. But it was his quick wit and fun loving personality, which brought smiles and laughter to all.
Left to carry on Jim’s legacy is his wife, Dianne; children Kayla (David) Hermann, Karae Grundmeyer, Shawn (Connie) Skramstad, Brian Blohm, Stacy (Brian) Olver, Michael (Heather) Blohm, Tracy (Nick) Amundson; 2 granddaughters Alisha and Chelsea, 15 step grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ruth Hawker, Donald (Dora) Grundmeyer ; relatives and devoted friends.
Jim was preceded in death by parents, siblings, Viola (Keith) Heidemann, Lucille (Melvin) Augustin, Lois (David) Schewe, Delrose (Dwyane) Thoreson and brother-in-law, Wayne Hawker.
“Behave, Be Good, Be Careful!!! But not necessarily in that order!!!”
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Grundmeyer family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
