Don Gruninger

It is with great sadness that the family of ANTON DONALD (DON) GRUNINGER announce his passing on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at the age of 91 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care unit in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Don was born December 9, 1931, in Magrath, Alberta to Anton and Theresa (Rush) Gruninger. Don married Carol Hodgdon on October 5, 1953 and together they had two sons. Wayne was born in the summer of 1955 and five years and one day later, their second son Dale was born.

In 1963 Don moved his young family back to the Magrath area to work on the mixed farming operation of George Dudley. Don was always connected to the land and it seemed like he knew everything there was to know about raising crops and working with livestock. He worked on the Dudley farm until his retirement at the age of 70.

In retirement Don enjoyed going to the casino in Lethbridge. Don was a real people person and if you happened to be sitting besides him at a machine or at the blackjack table, it wouldn’t be long before you were engaged in conversation. These new friends could then easily recognize him simply by looking for the cowboy hat.

Don is survived by his wife of 69 years Carol Gruninger and his sons Wayne (Karen Nagai) Gruninger and Dale Gruninger as well as 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Mike (Faye) Gruninger, Joe (Diane) Gruninger and Albert (Shirley) Gruninger.

A Graveside Service will be held at the MAGRATH CEMETERY at 11:00am on Tuesday June 6, 2023.

Click here to view a recording of the Graveside Service

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don Gruninger, please visit our floral store.