Donald Michael Grunden

Donald Michael "Don" Grunden, 75, Jefferson City, died Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born July 22, 1935, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of the late George B. and Susan McClure Grunden. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He was united in marriage to Valeta Kohn on October 19, 1957. The family gathered in Destin, Florida three years ago to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Don Grunden spent most of his career in Jefferson City with the State of Missouri's Department of Transportation, retiring in 1999. He also worked for former Secretary of State, Jim Kirkpatrick, during his early years in Jefferson City. He has been a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church since 1977, serving as a Hospitality Minister and member of the Holy Name Society for many years. He coached all five of his children in football, baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball and just last year was assistant coach for his grandson's flag football team. Don also volunteered as a coach for PAL football and Immaculate Conception School basketball after his children were grown. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Valeta; four children, Mike Grunden (Lynette Pace) of Overland Park, Kansas; Christy Clarkston (Rick) of St. Charles; Scott Grunden (Kelly Fink) and Tammy Kolb (Jerry) of Jefferson City; and seven grandchildren Jennifer and Jorie Clarkston, Kara and Adam Grunden, and Courtney, Brett, and Leah Kolb. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley DiCapo (George) of Cleveland, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his son, Terry; his parents, and sister, Patricia Clark. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 7, 2011, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Reverend Monsignor David D. Cox officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday, February 6, 2011, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Masses; Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe St., Suite 100, Jefferson City, Mo 65101; and Missions - Diocese of Jefferson City. 2207 West Main-P.O. Box 104900, Jefferson City, Mo 65110. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.