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Donald ‘Don’ Grunsted

Donald “Don” Grunsted of Post Falls, Idaho, went home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on Aug. 18, 2018, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born in Superior, Wis., on June 24, 1921, and was raised by his parents, Ernest and Lillian Grundstedt. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Stout Institute in Menomonee, Wis., where he also became a small-college basketball all-star. After enlisting in the U.S. Army, he completed officer training and was assigned to a B-29 as a bombardier.

As a young officer in Lincoln, Neb., he was swept off his feet by Jeanne Transue, who he married in 1946. They were married 65 years until she passed in 2011. They both enjoyed square dancing, golfing and travel.

Don’s first job was as a high school teacher in Deer Lodge, Mont., where he taught industrial arts and assisted coaching various athletic teams. In the summer he coached the inmate team at the state penitentiary. He returned to Nebraska one year later, where he did some construction and upholstery work and worked briefly for Morman Feed as a sales agent. In 1958 he was hired by 3M Company as an outside sales representative in the magnetic tape division, and was assigned territory in Des Moines, Iowa. Within one year he proved his worth and was assigned the plum territory of the nation, namely, the Bay Area of California. He finished his 3M career, retiring 30 years later.

In his mid-40s, he surrendered his heart to Jesus Christ and remained thereafter faithful to his Lord. His faith was made evident in his attitude of service to others, always reaching out to comfort and encourage, and offer practical help.

Don is survived by his son, Scott (Carol) Grunsted; daughter, Pamela (Steve) Smithsted, grandchildren, Brandon Grunsted, Vanessa Ashenbrenner, Joshua Hough, Hether Hough and Daniel Hough, and great-grandchild, Nykyrian Grunsted.

A celebration of his life took place at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, at Garden Plaza in Post Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers or other acknowledgments, please consider a donation to Gideons International for Bibles to be distributed worldwide. https://www2.gideons.org.