Kenneth Robert Grunder, 96, of Wilton, passed away Friday, Sept. 20, at Leland Smith Assisted Living. A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 23, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Wilton. A funeral mass was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the church. Burial took place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. Memorials may be made to the Wilton Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Kenneth was born on Feb. 8, 1928, the son of Kirk and Rosa (Budelier) Grunder in Wilton. Ken spent his entire life in Wilton and graduated from Wilton High School in 1945 as the youngest member of his class. After graduation, Ken was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served with the Army Engineers in Korea from 1946 to 1947. Upon returning home, Ken attended Coe College for a year but decided to join his father in their family contracting business.
On Feb. 7, 1950, Ken married his high school classmate and the love of his life, Mary Wirtz. Together they raised five sons — Steve, Fred, Joe, John, and George — and one daughter, Kay Marie. Ken was a well-known figure in the Wilton community. He worked as a general contractor before owning and operating Grunder & Sons Lumber Inc. His dedication extended beyond his business, serving as a Boy Scout Master, on the Wilton School Board, the Muscatine Hospital Board, and the Muscatine County Tax Adjustment Board. However, Ken was perhaps most proud of his 50 years of volunteer service as a Wilton Fireman. A lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Wilton, Ken’s legacy of service and dedication to his family and community will never be forgotten.
Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 74 years, Mary; five children, Steve, Fred, Joe (Crystal), John and Kay (Michael) Rafael; six grandchildren; seven great-grandsons; and one brother, Kirk (Glenda) Grunder.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; one son, George; and one brother, Wayne.
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