Eugene E. Grunewald Sr. and Wilma A. Grunewald

MADISON – Wilma A. Grunewald, age 76, passed away on Oct. 5, 2018. She is now re-united with the love of her life, Eugene E. Grunewald Sr., age 78, who passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020. Wilma was born on Feb. 11, 1942, the daughter of William and Pearl Schultz. She graduated from DeForest High School with the Class of 1960. Gene was born on July 6, 1941, the son of Elmer and Ethel Grunewald. He graduated from Marshall High School with the Class of 1959. On Nov. 22, 1963, the day that JFK was assassinated, Gene joined the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. Gene and Wilma were married on Sept 2, 1969, and had many wonderful years together. They enjoyed camping when the kids were young and simply teaching their children valuable lessons, a strong work ethic and responsibility for community. Wilma was a self-taught seamstress. Her love for sewing grew as she mastered new techniques with clothing, doll clothes and finally quilting. Wilma worked for Springs Window Fashions for many years before retiring in 2007 and Gene worked as a carpenter for various construction companies before retiring in 1993. In Gene’s retirement, he was his American Legion Post Commander and he also volunteered for the Madison Area Veteran’s Firing Squad. It was his honor to participate in this time-honored tribute. He was also very active with his VFW and was a very proud and patriotic veteran. Gene had the opportunity to fly on Badger Honor Flight in October of 2016 to Washington, DC and that would go down as one of the greatest days of his life. Gene and Wilma are survived by their daughters, Bonnie Rude and Teri (David) Seawell; son, Eugene (Doreen) Grunewald Jr.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Donald Schultz, Eldon (Delores) Grunewald and Elizabeth Robertson; and beloved dog, Benji. They were preceded in death by their parents, William and Pearl Schultz and Elmer and Ethel Grunewald; and daughter, Kathy Fay. The family would like to thank SSM Hospice and Evansville Manor for their loving care of Gene in his final days and a special thank you to Gene’s roommate Bob, whose friendship made hospice in the time of a pandemic bearable. A Celebration of Life will be held for Wilma and Gene at a later date this fall with full Military Honors being conducted for Gene. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420