Wayne D. Grunendike

Wayne D. Grunendike, 91, of Aberdeen, passed away Saturday, April 16, 2016, at ManorCare Health Services in Aberdeen. His wishes were to be cremated.

Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor Gary Compton officiating.

Refreshments and a time of fellowship will follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the mortuary on Saturday.

With respect for the family, please refrain from wearing any fragrance.

Memorials can be made to the following: PJ's Packs, c/o Safe Harbor, PO Box 41 Aberdeen, SD 57402-0041 or to Disabled American Veterans Chapter #13, PO Box 1953, Aberdeen, SD 57402-1953.

Safe Harbor Website Contact Information for Disabled Vets Chapt #13

Wayne D. Grunendike was born August 23, 1924 in Aberdeen, SD to Gena (Rustand) and Warren Grunendike. He bought his first car in 1938 with Don Soliday for $10. It was an old crank model T Ford, and so began his love affair with cars. He graduated from High School in 1942.

He enlisted in the Army April 7, 1943. He served in the Air Borne as a Para-Glider. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Wayne received the Eamet medal with 3 bronze stars, Victory medal, Good Conduct medal and Combat Infantryman badge.

Wayne married Katherine Mary Hartung on June 7, 1947. 
He worked for his stepfather, Lew Fein, as a tailor at Lew Fein's clothing store. In 1963 he started working at Johnson Motors. He won many awards from Cadillac & Oldsmobile. 
He won Top Salesman of the Month and Year many times at Johnson Motors. Salesman of the Month was discontinued because Wayne won the award so many times. Together they managed Tacoma Park Ballroom in the 50's & 60's. Besides running the dance hall and racetrack, the family spent many hours at the Park. Tacoma Park, under the direction of Wayne and Katie, was inducted into the SD Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. When Wayne retired from Johnson Motors in 1988, he started The Car Lot with his son- in-law. The family always joked that he would never retire and would probably be selling a car on the day he died.

Wayne enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He also liked hunting, fishing, golfing, football and car racing. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Katie was full of life. Always ready to share a hug. She was happiest when their home was filled with family, friends and even strangers. She welcomed everyone, willing to offer something to eat, a place to stay and a few hugs. She would stop you in the store just to give you a hug. Katie was always involved in the many activities of her children. 
She was "Everyone's Mom". 
She worked as a bookkeeper for her father at Hartung Construction and later for several private businesses. She was active in her church altar society, choir and parish activities. 
In the late 70's, she was involved in most levels of the Aberdeen Hockey Association while Jon played hockey. She organized the fundraising to build the indoor ice rink, which is the Holum Expo Building. She passed away on October 24, 2008 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Blessed for having shared their lives are children: Kathi (Jeff) Herreid, Sioux Falls, Mike (Lyn) Grunendike, Sioux Falls, Pat Pautsch, Sioux Falls, Jayne (Curt) Reuer, Aberdeen, Jeanne Omland, Sioux Falls, Jeff (Cristi) Grunendike, Aberdeen, SD and Jon Grunendike, Henderson, NV; 14 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; special cousin, Jay (Shirley) Sherburne; one nephew; and one niece.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife Katie, his parents and sister Arlene Shaff.

www.schriversmemorial.com