Obituaries: LeRoy Grundei, 89

LeRoy Grundei, 89, died February 3, 2010 in Alexandria.

LeRoy was born October 14, 1920 in Carlos to William and Miriam (Carlquist) Grundei. He attended school through 8th grade in Carlos and later received a GED from the Alexandria school system.

On June 25, 1943 he was united in marriage to Rosemary Miller in San Diego, California. To this union four children were born, Larry, Alan, Neil and Marilyn.

In January 1941, LeRoy started working for the Douglas County Highway Department. In August 1942 he joined the U.S. Navy and attained the rank of aviation machinist mate 1st Class as a mechanic and flight engineer on B-24 bombers. He was honorably discharged in November 1945. After serving his country, the couple moved to Carlos, where they raised their family. LeRoy then returned to the Douglas County Highway Department, where he worked until 1962. In June 1962, he was appointed to the position of postmaster for the Carlos Post Office, a job that he held until retirement in 1985.

LeRoy was active in hunting, fishing and camping. He was a charter member of the Carlos Lions and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award from the Lions in 2008. He was also active in the American Legion for more than 65 years and active in Project New Hope, the Carlos Developers, Carlos Commercial Club and was a trustee of St Nicholas Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rosemary; sons, Alan (Kathy) of Medina and Neil (Danna) of Ham Lake; daughter, Marilyn (Martin) Kosir of Blaine; four grandchildren, Tim Grundei, Allison, Travis and Shane Kosir; brother, Earl Grundei and wife, Ruth, of Florida; step-grandchildren, Justi (Doug) Brown, Damon (Aziza) Cross; step-great-grandchildren, Dayla Cross and Caleb and Evan Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Larry; and brothers, Elwood and Leon.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, February 6 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River. Burial will be at St. Nicholas Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.