Gary W. Grinde was born September 28, 1955 in Norman, Oklahoma, the son of the late Wayne and Gloria (Dunford) Grinde. He attended the Walsh County Agriculture School in Park River, graduating in 1973 and attended Dakota College in Bottineau. Gary moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, South Dakota, Bismarck and Park River where he worked various jobs, including working as a chef, carpenter, carpet cleaning, various agricultural jobs, and believe it or not, a disco dance instructor! Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Renae Olson on May 25, 1985 in Hoople, North Dakota. The couple made their home in Grafton where they raised their two sons who were their biggest blessings and the center of Gary's world. In Grafton, he worked for Job Service and then as a sports writer at the Grafton Record. He was currently employed as a sales rep at Morgan Printing.
Gary was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church. He was an avid curler where he competed at nationals. He loved muskie fishing and family fishing trips to Sioux Narrows, Canada. He treasured his yearly hunting trips to the Badlands with his friends and family. Another treasured memory was snowmobiling with his wife and friends. He was a youth hockey coach and was very involved with Tyler and Tanner’s dirt bike hobby, as their master mechanic, mentor and supporter. He also loved spending time with his family and dear friends at Long Lake Campsite in Detroit Lakes MN.
Gary is survived by his wife, Renae Grinde, Grafton, ND; his sons: Tyler (Stephanie) Grinde, East Grand Forks, MN; Tanner Grinde, Drayton, ND; sister, Deborah (Barry) Grotte, Hope, ND; brother, Douglas (Jane) Grinde, Bismarck, ND; brother-in-law, Roger (Synoia) Olson, Lakeside, MT; nieces and nephews: Kelly, Jenny, Max, Alex and Jonah, as well as several very close cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial services will be Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grafton Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.