Dean Leroy Grunewald

Dean was born on June 21, 1958 to Richard and Violet (Horkey) Grunewald in Windom, MN. Due to a growing family they moved to the Kinbrae/Dundee when Dean was 4. Dean graduated from Fulda High School in 1976. After high school, Dean worked in construction moving pull barns, then eventually for Barrett Construction out of the Worthington Area. In 1984 Dean welcomed a son Ryan Dean with his first wife. In 1989 the couple settled in St. James after a few years of residing in Texas. In 1992 the couple welcomed a daughter, Mariah Jean. Later the couple divorced and Dean moved to the New Ulm area while starting his own business and working for the New Ulm Quarry. Eventually Dean moved back to St. James to be closer to his children and his long time partner Brenda. In St. James, Dean has worked for ConAgra, Westins and eventually found a work-home at Oversons Lumber as a Yardsman. Dean enjoyed working with wood of all types, growing tomatoes in his garden, and grilling with friends and family. His friends enjoyed calling him "Deano" and will remember his willingness to help anyone. He is survived by his children Ryan Grunewald and Mariah Grunewald both of Farmington, fiance Brenda Martinez of St. James, siblings Randy Grunewald of Kinbrae, Sandy (Ron) Wilde of Luverne, Tom Grunewald of Kinbrae, step-mother Karen Grunewald of Brainerd, step-brother George (Tammy) Mattson of Brainerd, sister-in-law Jenny Grunewald of Chisago, he was a father figure to Jesse Martinez of Madelia, Amy Martinez of St. James, Tyler Sanchez of St. James, and a grandfather figure to Amy's children Debbie, Jr., and Marina, he is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard & Violet Grunewald, brother Jerry and an infant brother. Visitation 1 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, August 20, 2015 Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel 906 - 10th Ave. S. St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Visitation 2 9:00 am - 10:00 am Friday, August 21, 2015 Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:00 am Friday, August 21, 2015 Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James 603 Armstrong Blvd. N. PO Box 151 Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Mt. Hope Cemetery, St. James S. CR 27 St. James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Fellowship All are invited to lunch and fellowship in the church fellowship hall following burial.