Steven H. Grunke

PORTAGE – Steven H. Grunke, 75, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018, at Silver Lake Beach, with his best friend and companion, Becky, at his side, following a massive heart attack.

Steve was born on December 31, 1942, to Iva (Stevens) Grunke and Harry Grunke. He grew up in Endeavor, Wisconsin. After three years in the Army, he returned to the family farm, growing spearmint and peppermint.

Steve is survived by his wife, Jane (MacDonald) Fullerton of Portage; daughters, Kari (Gary) Bell, Stacy (JJ) Reis; grandchildren, Adam (Ada) Peschl, Trevor Bell, Bailey and Brett Reis, all of Madison; step-son, John (Vicki) Fullerton of Fitchburg; sister, Donna (Bill) Ableman of Cambridge; and mother of his daughters, Sandy Hurd Grunke. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Grunke and Iva Grunke Chickering; step-father, Robert Chickering; sister, Lada Armson; brother-in-law, Paul Armson; and sister-in-law, Mary Ellen “Nurse” MacDonald Collins.  

When Steve became a grandfather, he found a new purpose in life. His grandchildren meant the world to him.

Funeral services will be held at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, Wisconsin, on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., with Chaplain Tom Drury officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard following the service. Inurnment will be private.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Columbia County Humane Society or Portage Food Pantry where Steve volunteered, or just do a kind deed for someone.

Rest in peace. We love you to the moon and back.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.