Jackie “Jack” Larry Grimes, 75, of Holmen, Wisconsin, peacefully left us on March 10, 2014 while surrounded by his immediate family.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Sandra Lou Grimes (Stein); son John (Ward) Grimes of Genoa, Wisconsin, son Steven (Jennifer) Grimes of Coos Bay, Oregon, daughter Sharon (Jerry Sr.) Mason of Holmen, Wisconsin and daughter Samina (Jessica) Grimes of La Crosse, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Viola Wallace, brother-in-law Russell Stein, brother-in-law Orville Stein. He is also survived by grandchildren Jerry Jr. (Lyndon) Mason, Heather Mason, Amanda Grimes, Charles Grimes, Sydney Grimes; great grandchild Lydia Lou Mason; and many loving nieces including Carol Grimes, nephews including Dennis (Pat) Grimes and other relatives; and his dear friend Ernie Shisler. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Nestle (brother), Charlotte (sister-in-law), Charles (brother), Forrest (brother), Theodore (brother), Robert (brother) and Darlene (sister). 

Jack was born in Flora, Illinois on November 22, 1938 to Nestle Ray and Hazel (Louderback) Grimes. He later found his home in La Crosse, and at 22 years of age married Sandra on June 4, 1960 at Holmen Lutheran Church. They started their life together in La Crosse, later building the “house on the hill” in the coulees of Holmen where they raised their four children.

Jack’s work ethic was unrelenting. He worked as a plumber for Harry Viner Construction before owning and operating Universal Cleaning Services for over thirty years. He finished his career as a custodian at Holmen Viking Elementary for ten additional years. In his retirement, he continued as a janitor for Netwall Dental Lab through 2013 until his health prevented him from continuing.
Jack loved being a father and being involved in his children’s activities. All of his children being active 4-H members, he supported each and everyone of them by staying involved as a 4-H leader and volunteer. Union Mills 4-H park was happily mowed by Jack for many years.

Jack was a story teller, weaving his words into a smile on your face and a thousand memories for his family and friends. He loved the Coulee Region and the mysteries it held, especially relating to the rich Native American history. He loved all things interesting including photography, sailing, maps, history books, trinkets, puzzle boxes, clocks, cloisonné vases and silver. He was always on a quest to find the next most interesting object. Jack was a woodworker, making loving gifts for his family and friends and even selling a few now and then. There are many bluebird houses in the Coulee Region that were carefully built by his hands.

Jack will be remembered forever as a good person. He was always kind and gentle. He has touched the hearts of so many people. He will never be forgotten, as his family and friends tell his stories again and again.

The family would like to thank the care providers of Mayo Clinic Health System for their extraordinary care and kindness to Jack and the family throughout his illness.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 6:30 pm at the Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. The Rev. Ted DeWald will officiate. A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until the service at the funeral home.