Wava J. Grinde, age 95, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on December 6, 1930, the daughter of Glenn and Ava Bangert.

Wava graduated from Ithaca High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to Kenneth J. Grinde on December 8, 1951, in DeForest. They shared 68 wonderful years before Ken’s death in 2020. Wava was employed as an accountant and office manager for Elaine Powers, John Borman and Associates.

She was a member of the Zor Madison Auxiliary, Daughters of the Nile, Azba, Four Lakes Yacht Club and Elks Club. Wava enjoyed dancing, baking, making traditional family flatbread, traveling the world, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends. She especially cherished keeping family traditions alive and making memories with those she loved.

Wava is survived by her daughter, Diane (Tom) Thompson; son, Steve (Dianne) Grinde; grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon), Tanya (Braeden), Tina, Tara (Greg) and Christopher (Jessica); and great-grandchildren, Harmony, Isaac, Ethan, Camdyn, Aria, Keira, Brantly, Kellen, Karter and Keegan; brother, Dale (Joyce) Bangert; sister-in-law, Charlotte Bangert; sister-in-law, Julie Grinde; and numerous other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken and her parents, and numerous other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Monday, November 23, 2026. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon, with the Rev. Elisa Brandt presiding. A luncheon will be served after the service at the funeral home. The day will conclude with a graveside service at Roselawn Memorial Park Chapel, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church or Children’s Dyslexia Center-Madison. A special thank you to the employees at Heritage in Monona, and the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, and SSM Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Wava Jean Grinde

December 06, 1930 - November 06, 2026

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