East Grand Forks City Council honors Grassel
Playground named in president’s memoryTwenty-four hours after he died from cancer, East Grand Forks City Council President Richard Grassel was honored Tuesday in the room where he built much of his reputation as someone who got the job done.
By: Ryan Bakken, Grand Forks Herald
- Dick Grassel
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Twenty-four hours after he died from cancer, East Grand Forks City Council President Richard Grassel was honored Tuesday in the room where he built much of his reputation as someone who got the job done.
In the City Council chambers, at the start of its meeting, Grassel’s family members received two plaques, three medals and the nameplate off his council seat. The biggest honor was a resolution to place his name on the playground in the Red River State Recreational Area campground.
The naming dedication was on the council’s agenda before Grassel died Monday. The campground, which was the former Sherlock Park neighborhood before it was wiped out by the 1997 flood, was a special place for Grassel, who often went there for early-morning walks.
“Dick woke up a lot of campers,” said veteran council member Henry Tweten. “His footprints are imprinted on that campground. And now they will live forever and ever.”
Although his appearance suggested his health was failing, Grassel shared little about his illness. “My dad was one of those guys who didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for him, so he didn’t advertise that he was sick,” said his son, Chad Grassel.
Grassel served on the council for the last 22 years, since being appointed in 1989 to replace Al LaFave, who died. Grassel’s replacement can be either appointed by the council or determined by an election. Although they’re waiting to decide until after his funeral, to be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, officials seemed to be leaning toward naming a replacement.
It’s also uncertain if vice-president Craig Buckalew will take over the role of president, who runs meetings. Grassel was president for the last four years.
What was clear was the affection that other city officials had for Grassel. One after another, they talked of his dedication to the city. Buckalew said, “The city has lost a soldier.”
Mayor Lynn Stauss, a boyhood pal of Grassel’s, had the most to say, citing his friend’s affection for family, city government, youth sports, senior citizens, the Democratic party and, lately, the often full-to-capacity campground.
“Dickie was so proud of this park,” Stauss said.
“I just wish we would have done this a couple weeks earlier.”
Reach Bakken at (701) 780-1125; (800) 477-6572, ext. 125; or send e-mail to rbakken@gfherald.com.
Tags: east grand forks city council, dick grassel, red river state recreation area, gf and egf, east grand forks, gf politics, updates, news
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