Michael Shinnick

Shinnick, Michael "Grant" FITCHBURG/OREGON - Michael "Grant" Shinnick, age 88, passed away on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. He was born on Nov. 2, 1920, to Edward and Blanche Shinnick, in Waverly, S.D. Grant moved with his family to Oregon, Wis. in 1928. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1938. Grant served in the U. S. Army during World War II, participating in the Red Ball Express and D-Day Plus Four invasion. He was stationed in North Africa, Italy and the Philippines. Grant was married to Cora Wilson on Nov. 20, 1948. He farmed and hauled milk around Oregon until moving to Fitchburg in 1952. Grant drove a semi-truck for 7-Up Bottling Co. for 34 years before retiring in 1986. He enjoyed gardening, traveling around the United States, and going to casinos to play craps. Grant was also an avid reader of western novels. He is survived by his wife, Cora; five children, Edward (Julie), Judy (Tony) Masino, Thomas (Cathy), Joyce, and Daniel (Stephanie); nine grandchildren; three great-grandsons; and a sister, Winn (David) Mulder. Grant was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Patricia and Jayne; and a sister, Gwen Mason. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 431 Soden Drive, Oregon, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, with the Rev. Paul Shupe presiding. Burial will be at Prairie Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of service on Wednesday.