William Ira Grimm, of Bass Lake, age 70, died peacefully July 30, 2010 at Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice in Wausau. Mr. Grimm was born on July 13, 1940 near Bancroft, Nebraska the son of Rev. A. Ira and Elsie (Priem) Grimm.

He attended Concordia Academy and College, St Paul, MN and earned a degree in Youth Ministry from Valparaiso University and Certification as Director Of Christian Education from Concordia, Seward, NE,.

He worked as Director of Christian Education for 30 years having served at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Shore Haven Lutheran Church, Euclid, Ohio; Pacific Hills Lutheran Church, Omaha, Nebraska; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Appleton; Redeemer Lutheran Church, Richmond, Virginia; and Peace Lutheran Church, Antigo.

He served on numerous committees and boards for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod at the local, state and national levels. He was a board member of Wisconsin Chapter 30913 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans at the time of his death.

Mr. Grimm worked in the Pro Shop at Maplewood Golf Course in Pickerel for 11 years. He was an avid Chicago Cub, Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. He loved living on the same lake as his ancestors have lived since 1895. He spent many hours enjoying music, the theatre and the outdoors.

He married Ruth Ann Hillmann in 1967 in Seattle, Washington. In addition to his wife he is survived by a sister, Judy Grimm, Bass Lake; a daughter, Brenda and Craig Harrison; two grandchildren, Jason and Bethany Pechar and Jessica and William Moorehead and a great grandson, Jacob all of Kansas; an aunt and many cousins. He is also survived by his wife's family.

Mr. Grimm was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Pickerel where a celebration of life and ministry will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Michael Mathey officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Summit Lake. Visitation will be Tuesday from 3:30 - 7:00 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home and Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the church.


A memorial is being established for continuing Education for Directors of Christian Education and St. John Lutheran Church, Pickerel. Gifts may be directed to the Grimm family.

Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com

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