November 10, 1918 - June 27, 2009
Donald Lloyd Grippen Obituary
Passed away peacefully on June 27, 2009. Don was aloving husband, father, grandfather and friend. All who knew him chuckled at his sense of humor. Donald, affectionately known as "Cotton", was born on November 10, 1918 in Durand, WI to Arthur and Minnie Grippen. Don enjoyed playing the Saxophone, Baseball andTennis while juggling his paper route. Don married Hazel Struck from Mondovi on February 25th, 1940. They had 34 loving years together. In 1943 Don and Hazel moved west to the Spokane Valley. Don had a very strong work ethic, "if you do a job, do it right!" Don worked at the Naval Supply Depot during WWII. He also worked at Roundup and Barton Auto. His hobby was refurbishing cars in "Don's Garage". Don also enjoyed being the "Fix It" man at Morning Star Boy's Ranch for many years. Don was an avid fisherman at Loon Lake, loved playing Pinochle and watching his families' sporting events. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Elks, Eagles, and the Knights of Columbus and volunteered for the Right to Life Organization. Don married Eleanor Riordan, after Hazel passed away. Don and Eleanor also shared 34 loving years together. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Eleanor; three children: Sharron (Rex) Schimke, Mary Jo (Bill) Caruso and Max A. Grippen of Highland, CA; three stepchildren: Jim (Diana) Riordan, Dan (Becky) Riordan and Nancy Knoll, all of the Spokane area. Donald has many grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Also surviving Donald are one brother of Orlando, FL, Wilbur Grippen and one sister of Winona, MN, Marian Mason. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel (Struck) Grippen, brother Edmond Grippen, daughter-in-law Jackie Grippen, and stepson-in-law Mike Knoll. Family and friends will remember Don for his "Zest for Life". Memorial contributions may be made to Morning Star Boy's Ranch or a charity of your choice. A heartfelt Thank You for all who loved and cared for Donald. A viewing will be held on Wednesday July 1, 2009 from 10:00AM ? 5:00PM at Heritage Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday July 2, 2009 at 10:00AM also at the funeral home.
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