Karel Grimm

Karel A. Grimm, 91, of Wautoma died on April 1, 2010 at Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital. He was born on March 6, 1919 in Wautoma, WI, the son of Herman and Ida (Standke) Grimm. He married Virginia F. Johnson on June 17, 1944 in Vincennse, IN at the military base chapel where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. They resided in Wautoma full-time and later wintered in Inverness, FL, following retirement. They also traveled on many extended vacations with their friends in the Uff-Da Campers group. Karel and his wife owned and operated the Cottage Grocery Store and the Town and Country Drive-In for many years. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service, working at the Wautoma office for his entire career. He also worked as an aerial wildfire spotter for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He spent many years as a member of the Wautoma Volunteer Fire Department. Captain Karel Grimm, retired military, was proud to serve his country and devoted much of his life to preserving the freedom we all enjoy. He entered the U.S. Army Air Force in 1940, served in the European theater, and was honorably discharged from active duty in 1946. He served in the 9th Division of the Army Infantry, the Communication Signal Corps, and the 384th Bomber Group of the 8th Air Force. He was a B-17 "Flying Fortress" pilot and flew many missions during WWII. In 2001, Karel flew his last B-17 flight in the "Aluminum Overcast." He was honored to serve as copilot during this commemorative flight. Upon his discharge from active duty, he continued to serve as Captain in the 32nd Red Arrow Division of the National Guard and was a member of the local Wolman-Minskey Post of the American Legion.

His retirement activities were varied, but always focused on sharing his knowledge, skills, and talents with others. As a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Karel sang in the church choir for over 60 years. He also shared his love of music with the community by being a part of the Over-the-Hill Barbershoppers in Wautoma, singing often at community events and area nursing homes. Karel was an active member of the Wautoma Senior Center and enjoyed many activities there with friends from the area. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, and often helped others adopt this hobby. Karel was an accomplished stained glass artist and created many beautiful treasures. He and his wife combined their talents and spent many hours making custom-designed gifts for family and friends. Karel was truly a family-oriented person and served as a mentor and positive role model for his children and grandchildren. His values and beliefs were strong and he never wavered from doing what he thought was right. He lived a generous, worthwhile, and fulfilled life, and will be truly missed by all. He is survived by his children: John Grimm, Montgomery, MN; Karla (Ed) Temple, Wild Rose, WI; Peter Grimm, Wautoma, WI; Paul (Deanna) Grimm, Seymour, WI; Gretchen (Ted Korolewski) Grimm, Wild Rose, WI. He was a special and respected grandfather to 22 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Karel is further survived by two sisters, Caroline (Dan) Pitcher and Pearl Johnson, both of Wautoma. He was fortunate to have many special nieces and nephews as well. He was "daddy" to two special canines, Ede and Lena. He was preceded in death by Virginia Grimm (wife), Herman and Ida Grimm (parents), an infant sister, Lucille Grimm (sister), Elver and Katherine Grimm (brother and sister-in-law), Herman Grimm (brother), Everette Grimm (brother), Maria and Ray Hudziak (sister and brother-in-law), Bill Johnson (brother-in-law), Bud and Nellie Johnson (brother-in-law and his wife). Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Wautoma with Rev. Nathan A. Gauerke officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Hope Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma and at the Church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. A memorial will be established. Karel's family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of Wild Rose Community Memorial Hospital for their professional care, sense of humor, and compassion during the many "visits" Karel made during his illness. Each and every person gave the utmost to help make Karel's last days comfortable and to welcome the many family and friends who visited during his last days.




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