Walter Theodore Grinde, 85, of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Black River Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

Walter was born on September 1, 1937 in North Bend to Truman and Ruth (Stetzer) Grinde.  He was a 1955 graduate of Melrose High School.  On September 12, 1964, he was united in marriage to Vera (Tranberg) at Living Hope Lutheran Church in Ettrick, WI.

Walter was a lifelong farmer and lived on the same farm outside Melrose since he was a small boy in the 1940’s.  After selling the dairy cows in 1998, he continued to raise beef cattle and drove the tractor to plant/harvest crops until he was unable to do so in 2022.  For entertainment, he enjoyed taking his Mustang convertible out for long drives and driving his Gator around the farm.  He also loved to talk and tell stories.

Walter is survived by his wife, Vera and their two daughters: Lori (Kenneth) Anderson of Melrose and Lisa (Christopher) Kinstler of Cedar Falls, IA.  He was preceded in death by his parents Truman and Ruth (Stetzer) Grinde.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Black River Homecare Hospice.  An especially big thank you is directed to his two primary hospice nurses Becky and Jenn for their wonderful care.  Chaplain Kevin Newell’s visits with Walter, words of support, and prayers have also been a great comfort for the family.

Per Walter’s request, he will be cremated and a small gravesite service officiated by Chaplain Newell and burial will be held at the Melrose Cemetery.  The family will notify family members and friends of the exact date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or to Black River Homecare Hospice.