LeRoy W. “Lee” Grunwald

July 31, 1944
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July 1, 2020

LeRoy W. “Lee” Grunwald, 75, died unexpectedly July 1, 2020.  He was born July 31, 1944, in Green Bay to Winfred C. “Winnie” and Ethel D. (Dahlke) Grunwald.

A lifelong resident of Green Bay, Lee attended Green Bay West High School.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country from 1962 – 1966, stationed in Germany and England.  Upon his return to Green Bay from his time in the service, Lee began working at Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) where he worked for the next 39 years as a Machinist until his retirement in 2005.

Lee had a heart of gold sharing his kindness with all.  He will be remembered for his fun-loving personality and great sense of humor.  Lee was witty, always smiling, making others laugh and all who knew him enjoyed his company.  Lee had the gift of finding the good in everyone and value in everything.  He believed in wasting nothing and fixing or repairing anything and everything.  Lee’s creativity and ingenuity always kept him busy tinkering around outside or in the garage creating, tweaking, or building something.  We have all heard him say, “The Ole Grundy, The Wheels are Always Turning” as he shared with us his latest creation in what we called “show and tell”.

Lee loved the outdoors.  His favorite pastimes were taking walks in the woods, watching wildlife and spending time at “the shack” in Crooked Lake.  He enjoyed bow and rifle hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, and line dancing.  He was a regular at the weekly Tuesday “meeting” at The Settlement Bar (Chuck’s) where he made and enjoyed many friends over the years.  He treasured get-togethers with family and friends which often included watching NASCAR (especially Jeff Gordon), the Packers and a cold beverage.  He also loved a good meal and a sweet treat.  He took pride in being the local bicycle repairman for all the neighborhood kids.

Lee’s life is being celebrated by his children Rick (Tracy) Grunwald, Chellie Buechler (fiancé Mark Page); a granddaughter, Emily Buechler (fiancé Andy Borchardt); the love of his life for 29 years, Shirley Olson; a sister, Donna (Dennis) Kellner; brothers, Jim (Jill) Grunwald and Gary Grunwald; Shirley’s children Shelley (Mitch) Tabalske, Mark (Becky) Olson, Randy (Diane) Olson and Bob Olson; his cat, “Kitty Kat” and his grand-dog “Gru”.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sharon Grunwald.

Friends may call at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 East Mason Street, on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Dave Schmidt officiating. Full Military Honors to follow the services. On-line condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com.

Lee’s family would like to thank the Green Bay First Responders and the staff at St. Vincent Hospital ICU.