Donald Grimm

Donald Grimm, retired Staff Sergeant of the United States Marine Corp. and Master Electrician from Phoenix, Arizonia, died on August 14, 2010 at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Donald was born in Mequon, Wisconsin, graduated from Homestead High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in May of 1967 and served active duty until April 28^th, 1971. He was of the Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division (unit self-named “Hell in a Helmut”) Dong Ha, Vietnam. A true American Hero, serving on the front lines, commanding air strikes, rescuing wounded and killed soldiers with helicopters on a daily basis. Wounded in action only to return to action to serve with his fellow comrades. He was commended with the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and other metals of commendation. Returning stateside April 28^th, 1971, he immediately went into the Reserves on April, 29^th, 1971 to continue to serve until January, 5^th, 1973. He returned to Wisconsin, settled in, then to marry and have two children. He then began his electrical trade, following in his fathers footsteps to become an electrician. He excelled in his trade as well, becoming a Master Electrician which included the construction of many of the newest Las Vegas Casinos. He worked in Oconto, Wisconsin, Phoenix, Arizonia, and Las Vegas, Nevada for approximately 30 years. No matter what he did, he put his heart and soul into it to be a cut above the rest, as taught by his father.

     He retired to Florida in 2005 to reunite with many of his sisters and brother who had migrated to the warm country! Even then while in the Bay Pines, Veterans Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL., for a knee replacement, he was the star patient of the rehabilitation center quickly recovering himself, and then encouraging other vets to push through the pain to their own recovery. I guess we could call him a “ Pep Sergeant “ there to continue to be the best in all he did.

Many medical battles were fought since moving to Florida. He endured several surgeries on his knee due to a staff infection (MRSA), but fought that too so as not to lose his leg. Also COPD compromised his lungs and with many blood transfusions contracted an infection in his blood. His kidneys and nervous system were also compromised by an electrocution he suffered on one of his jobs years earlier. He was a true survivor of many things over his life. His last months were trying to survive too many. His life was cut way to short.  He missed seeing his first grandson, Taten Phillip Grimm born on June 28^th, 2010 by his daughter Amy, and has another grandchild on the way by his son Phillip. We all will make sure these precious children know all about their grandpa. He is certainly a man not to be forgotten.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, Earl Grimm and Arline Torbeck, one sister, Bobby Jo Grimm, and one nephew, Ted Miller. He is survived by, two children, Amy Grimm and Phillip Grimm, a grandson by Amy, Taten Phillip Grimm,one brother, Michael Grimm of Tarpon Springs, FL, and four sisters, Carol Jarosch of Brown Deer, WI , Beverly Miller of Port Washington, WI, Earline Grimm and Linda Grimm of Tarpon Springs, FL, seven nephews and three nieces.

There will be a military funeral in Phoenix, AZ in October, 2010. Date not yet determined. His ashes will be scattered where he loved being the most, his hunting camp. Family, relatives and friends will be notified of the specific date and details.