Born: 07/22/1933
St. Louis, MO
Died: 03/19/2026
St. Albans, VT
Details of service:
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Leroy “Lee” Charles Grunewald, 92, passed away peacefully at his home on March 19, 2026, surrounded by his family in St. Albans, VT.
Lee was born on July 22, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late George Ernest Anton Grunewald and Wilhelmina “Frieda” Brockmann Grunewald. He graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1951. After high school, Lee enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. He later graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Civil Engineering and worked for the State of Vermont for 38 years, serving in both the Agency of Natural Resources and the Agency of Transportation.
In 1963, Lee married Marilyn Irene Wiener in Manhasset, NY. They moved to Vermont in 1968 and have enjoyed Vermont for more than 58 years.
Lee lived a full life, fueled by a wide array of passions. Whether he was tracking stocks, sailing the open waters, or tending to his garden, he remained deeply active and engaged. He was a dedicated student of history with a particular interest in World War II. Lee was also a “gentleman farmer” who took pride in his John Deere tractors, raising animals of all kinds, and enjoyed the seasonal tradition of sugaring. While he was a loyal fan of Notre Dame football, the NY Giants, and various Boston teams, his most cherished role was that of a grandfather.
Lee will be deeply missed by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Marilyn Grunewald, his daughter Debbie Johansen and her husband Glenn Johansen of Orinda, CA, daughter Lisa Grunewald of St. Albans, VT, son Garrett Grunewald and his wife Jennifer Jacobs, of Yarmouth, ME, his grandchildren Trevor, Justin, and Erik Johansen, Abigail and Elijah Grunewald. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Velma Grunewald. He will be remembered by his close friends, Don and Pat Bruns of Washington, MO.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The family wants to extend their sincere thanks to the VNA and Hospice for their end of life care, especially Robin Lambert.
In his memory and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:
St. Albans Museum
P.O. Box 722
St. Albans, VT 05478
or
Governor’s Institute of Vermont
20 West Canal Street – Suite C5,
Winooski, VT 05404
or
VNA and Hospice of the Southwest Region
7 Albert Cree Drive
Rutland, VT 05701
Honored to be serving the family of Leroy Grunewald is Rett Heald of the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.
