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Joseph Gruntorad, 73, of Fonda died Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb.
Funeral Mass was held Thursday, Dec. 21, at St. Sebastian, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Fonda. Burial followed in Mount Zion Catholic Cemetery in Fonda. Fratzke & Jensen/Mahaney Funeral Home in Fonda was in charge of the arrangements.
After a three-year courageous fight, Joe entered into eternal life. For a moment we felt like we lost the battle, but we know that Joe trusted his Lord and Savior and was carried home to heaven. He has, without a doubt, won the ultimate prize.
Joe was a devoted husband and father of five beautiful daughters and grandfather to 12, beloved farmer, avid outdoorsman and a friend to many. Joe's life, which was dedicated to nurturing both his family he cherished and the land he tilled, came to a peaceful end on Dec. 17.
Born on Dec. 12, 1950 to Bill and Lee (Bartunek) Gruntorad, he was baptized and confirmed in his Catholic faith at St. Columbkille’s Church in Varina. After graduating from Fonda High School, he earned his agricultural degree from Iowa State University. He married Deborah Kelly at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Aug. 9, 1975.
He excelled at everything he did and brought a zest and vibrancy that only Joe could. He was a renowned pool player and slow pitcher. Word has it the pitching height was lowered because of his lethal high pitch. A legendary trapper, many of you may even know him as “Trapper Joe.” He was a collector of all things; everything had potential value in Joe’s eyes, and he would proudly boast that he had the same truck and wife for over 30 years. Thankfully, Deb has aged better than “Ole Gray.”
Joe was a son of the soil from the very beginning, which molded him into an extraordinary farmer, farming both his family land with Bob as well as his father-in-law’s. His tireless work ethic proved true to the very end, completing his last harvest this fall with the help of his brother Bob and faithful friends.
While Joe’s connection to the land was profound, his most treasured legacy was his family. He was a loving and dedicated father who reveled in the joy and laughter of his five daughters and grandchildren, on and off the court. Whether taking his grandkids on their first combine ride, cheering on his favorite Mustangs, sharing his outdoor adventures or imparting his wisdom, Joe was a source of inspiration and strength to his girls.
The benefit of having five daughters is the bonus sons-in-law. Joe was able to find a reprieve from the women in his life, spending countless hours playing cards, riding around the countryside, hunting, golfing, watching Iowa State or tending to the smoker. In the end he got his sons, and he loved them deeply.
Joe Gruntorad leaves behind a legacy of stewardship, love and devotion that will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and those who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the fertile fields he tended, the wildlife he respected and the daughters he raised to be strong, caring, faithful and compassionate individuals.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Deb; daughters: Courtney Walker (Cory), Kelly Simpson (Jesse), Kristen Peterson (Brett), Erin Pertzborn (Tony) and Ellen Gruntorad (Brian Gomez); his grandchildren: Maggie, Mia, Mary and Maeve Walker; Olivia, Abe, Leah and Emma Simpson; Mara, Joseph and Eddie Peterson; and Reggie Pertzborn. He is survived by his sisters: Audrey Milfs, Linda Kuker and Laurie Sieben; and his brother Bob.
Joe was preceded in death by this parents and sister Janet.
