OBIT: Richard 'Dick' Grassel

Richard "Dick" Grassel, 67, of East Grand Forks, MN passed away at home on February 28, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving wife, Diana, and family.

Richard was born March 23, 1943 in Grand Forks, ND the son of Victor and Helen (Lowe) Grassel. Richard was a life long resident of East Grand Forks and member of Sacred Heart Church. Richard attended school in East Grand Forks and graduated from East Grand Forks Central High School in 1961.

Richard was united in marriage to Diana Mellum on May 6, 1967 at Sacred Heart Church in East Grand Forks.

Richard worked at Nagle's Studio, Prudential Insurance, UPS, and retired from Minnkota Power after thirty years in 2004. Richard had the honor to serve on the East Grand Forks City Council starting on March 16, 1989. Richard served as the Council President from January 3, 2006 until his death. He has served on numerous boards and commissions some of which include: Economic Development and Housing Authority, Planning and Zoning Commission, MPO Executive Board, Parks and Recreation Committee, and Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities. Richard was a member of the Jaycees, Blue Line Club, and served as the Blue Line Club President in the late 80's and early 90's. He also served as a Union Stewart for the Local IBEW 1426.

Richard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, working in his yard, watching his Grandchildren's activities, and talking with people.

He is survived by his wife Diana, two sons Chad (Kelly) Grassel, East Grand Forks, MN and Corey (Penny) Grassel Boscobel, WI, five grandchildren whom he adored: Cody, Chelsey, Olivia, Ava, and Gretta, brother William (Colleen) Grassel, Grand Forks, ND, sister Marlys Hollywood, Laguna Niguel, CA and sister Mary (William) Baxter, Albuquerque, New Mexico, father and mother-in-law Arnold and Genevieve Mellum, East Grand Forks, MN, brother-in-law Thomas Mellum, East Grand Forks, MN, brother-in-law Terry (Juanita) Mellum, Bemidji, MN, brother-in-law Brad (Wendy) Mellum, Bemidji, MN, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Thomas Grassel.

Richard was well known, respected, and loved by many. He will be dearly missed.

In Lieu of Flowers, memorials are requested to Altru Cancer Center, Altru Hospice or Sacred Heart Church.

Services: 10:30 A.M., Thursday, March 3, 2011 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: Wednesday 5-7 PM, with a 6:30 Prayer service at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks, MN and 1 hour before services at the church.

Burial: Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN.

Online Guestbook: www.stennesfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Stennes Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, Minnesota

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