Obituary
Allen Gene Grimes
Allen Gene Grimes finally made his journey from this life to eternal peace and rest on November 19th, 2022, due to complications from Alheizmers. He was 81 years old.
Al was born in Oelwein IA on June 16th, 1941 to Helen (Lauer) Grimes and B. Haldain Grimes. He grew up on the Lauer home farm in Eldorado, IA. He graduated from North High School in West Union IA. Al’s first marriage to Martha (Malek) Grimes gave him his three children. That marriage ended in divorce. He eventually found the love of his life, Pat (Michaels) Grimes and they were united in marriage on May 21st, 1994. The last year or so, Al lived at Lakeview in West Salem as the Alheizmers took over his mind and body. We want to give a special thank-you to Paul, known by Al as “the guy” and the staff at Lakeview for their care and understanding of this horrible disease. They put up with a lot on a daily basis. Also a most heartfelt thank you to Dr. Justin Otis from Gundersen Neuroscience for his direction, his friendship and his compassionate words when they were needed the most, truly a blessing to know you Justin.
In addition to his wife Pat, Al is survived by his Children, Robin Hinton, Todd (Liz) Grimes, Jami Loomis; step children, Bryan Verse (Nikki Solis), Craig (Robyn) Verse; grandchildren Travis (Laura) Minegar, Ryan (Kayla) Minegar, Ezra Conde Verse (Victoria Hanson), great Grandson, Lincoln Minegar; two great granddaughters due in December, 2022 and February, 2023; sister, Cheryl (Ron) Flaa; sister-in-law, Jan Grimes. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews and so many wonderful friends, too many to name.
Al was preceded in death Parents, Helen and Haldain Grimes; brother, Kenneth Grimes; grand daughter, McKenna Verse; and last but not least, Zoey Lynn, his Therapy dog. If he was ever down and depressed, one look into her brown eyes and that wagging tail, he would smile and things were ok again. He is smiling once more. Al played football and wrestling in school but his passion was wrestling. He went to state finals in high school, went to Winona on a wrestling scholarship, was instrumental in setting up the K6 wrestling program in La Crescent. He was involved with the La Crescent Applefest, serving president as well, active in the Eagles Club and Moose club. Al was a salesman for several Food Distributors. He started out at a local dairy in Iowa, then became divisional manager for Schwans and relocated to PA for a time until he moved to the La Crosse/La Crescent area. The last being Reinhart Foods in La Crosse. He then went on to work for Designz selling clothing items and promotional items.
Visitation will be December 17th from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska. Since Al had a love for donuts, there will be coffee and donuts or bars in the Gathering Place for all to enjoy after your visit. A brief prayer service will take place at 11:00 with burial at Mormon Coulee Cemetery after refreshments.
My condolences to the Grimes family. Al was a man that I admired as I saw him father his children from his youngest to eldest. He was kind and understanding. His smile lifted the spirits of all around him and lit up a room. He will be greatly remembered and greatly missed. Praying for peace and memories that make you smile.