Michael D. Grunerud

Michael D. Grunerud, 74, went to meet his Lord on Sept. 27, 2016, after a heroic battle with cancer.

He was born in Bonners Ferry on Dec. 29, 1941, to Maude and Woodrow (Bob) Grunerud.

Mike’s father was a construction worker, so he moved often as a child. Mike spent his younger years in Idaho, Washington, Oregon and California. He graduated in Prineville, Ore., then served in the Navy as a sonarman on the USS Richard B. Anderson. Throughout his service, Mike was given the opportunity to adventure many places and make incredible friends who remain his brothers to this day.

Mike married Patricia Tracy in 1966 and they had two children, Tricia and Eric – later they divorced. He lived on Tamarack Ridge for seven years and worked in Kellogg for Bell Systems, then General Telephone. In 1978 he found his home in Libby, where he raised his kids and continued his work with General Telephone, Citizens, and Frontier.

Mike married Alice Johnson in 1985 and they spent 31 happy years together. Mike loved sailing and he and Alice enjoyed countless summers sailing on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho.

His family celebrates his continuing journey with the Lord and is so thankful to have walked this earth with an incredible husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Mike was blessed with the ability to build meaningful relationships and powerfully impact each life he touched. Mike has left an incredible legacy in his wake. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all.

Mike was preceded in death by his mother Maude, father Bob, and brother Steve. He loved his family and always honored them in his life.

He is survived by his wife Alice, daughter Tricia, son Eric, daughter-in-law Nicci and four grandchildren, Josie, Alayna, Matthew and Ryan, who will always love him as “Grandpa Montana.”

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Mike’s life at 11 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, at the Libby Christian Church. Memorials may be made to Home Health Hospice.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.