Alice K. Grunerud

Alice K. Grunerud, 81, went to meet her Lord on May 18, 2025. 

She was born in Libby, Montana on Dec. 15, 1943, to Harold and Mary Chappel. 

Alice’s father was a truck driver and her mother a homemaker. Alice was raised in Libby, attended Libby schools and graduated from Libby High School in 1961. Alice married Richard Johnson in 1962. She traveled with him and lived for a short time in California while he served in the U.S. Military. Alice and Richard divorced in 1978. 

Alice began her career in the business offices of Dawson Lumber Mill in the mid-1970s and remained with them for almost 30 years. She retired in the early 2000s, when the business had become Stimson Lumber. Alice married the love of her life, Michael Grunerud, in 1985, and became part of a larger family which included children, Eric and Tricia. 

Alice and Mike were blessed to spend 31 happy years together. They spent countless summers sailing on Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho; adventured with family and friends; traveled often; and simply enjoyed their life together on “the lane.”

Alice was rooted in the Libby community and spent much of her time serving with such organizations as Wings and the Hospital Auxiliary. In the last several years of her life, she was involved in a women’s bible study, lovingly known as God’s Girls, which brought her much peace and friendship. 

Alice has left a sweet legacy and will be greatly missed. Alice’s family and friends celebrate her continuing journey with The Lord and are incredibly grateful to have walked this earth with her. Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her mother, Mary; her father Harold; and her brothers Harold Jr. and Bill.

Alice is survived by her son Eric; daughter Tricia; daughter-in-law Nicci; son-in-law Joel; and five grandchildren Josie, Alayna, Matthew, Ryan and Elizabeth. 

Alice is also survived by the community who raised her and the friends who loved her. She is survived by the magnificent Kootenai River that will forever wander along the banks of her home. She is survived by the deer that find refuge in her trees, and the moose who cross the Kootenai and climb her banks. She is survived by the whispering breeze through her aspens and by future sunrises over her river. Alice is survived by the echo of countless memories, the endless Montana skies and the wild, beautiful land she called home her entire life.

Everyone is welcome to celebrate Alice's life at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at the Christ Lutheran Church, 200 W Larch St. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Libby Food Pantry in memory of Alice. 

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana and Christ Lutheran Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.