21 September 2017

It is with a sad heart that I post the passing of shipmate Russell (Norris) Grunhuvd.

Russell (Norris) Grunhuvd 92, of Superior, passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on
September 21, 2017.

Norris was born June 12, 1925 in Treasure County, Montana. He attended school in Burnt Creek, Billings and Hysham graduating from Hysham High School in 1943.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March of 1943 and served his country in the Pacific Theater as a Gunner’s Mate on a destroyer. He was injured when the U.S.S. Little was sunk by kamikazes at Okinawa. He received a Purple Heart along with several other medals during his stint in the Navy. He received an Honorable Discharge in March 1946. ` After his discharge Norris was employed by the U.S. Forest Service. He attended the University of Montana and the Acme School of Glass Bending in Chicago. In 1948 he married Dorian Wendt. They settled in Superior where he worked as a logger. The couple later moved to Treasure County and farmed for five years. Norris was appointed Postmaster at Hysham in 1957. He retired from that position in 1983. In 1984 they returned to Superior where they operated the Strand Theater for 15 years.

Norris was an avid hunter, fisherman and Trapper. He was kindly referred to as “Trapper” by friends. He had many interests some of which were honey bees, bicycle repairs, ham radio, music and aviation.

He was always helpful in the community wherever he was needed. In Treasure County he was a member of the Presbyterian Church where he served as elder and deacon and on various committees. He helped start a Hunter Safety Class in the local school which he taught for many years. He was a charter member and secretary of the Hysham Volunteer Fire Department and a Treasure County Special Deputy. He was a member of the Rosebud Treasure Wildlife Association where he held several offices. He was a life member and past Commander of the American Legion and VFW. He served as Honor Guard Commander in both organizations for many years in Hysham and Superior. Upon returning to Superior he joined the United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Treasurer of the Methodist Men.

Norris was a Past Master of Masonic Lodge #129, Hysham and Lodge #110, Superior. He was a member of Lodge #52, Forsyth, life member of Veritas Council #6, Forsyth and Past Commander and Life Member of Allenby Commander #20, Forsyth. He was inducted into the Masonic Hall of Fame by the Grand Lodge of Montana.
Norris is preceded in death by his father Russell Grunhuvd, his mother Hazel (Miller) Grunhuvd Jensen, his stepfather Art Jensen, a sister Norma Vance Brodd, stepsisters Rosemary Conrow and Bette Blakeslee and a stepbrother Art Jensen, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Dorian “The love of his life”, four children, Tom (Terry) Grunhuvd, Linda (Bill) Dennis, Carol Lynn (Gilbert) Wilson and Peg (Marlowe) Aldrich, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, a great-great grandchild and stepsisters Beverly Stelling and Norma McGuin.

Services are to be held at the United Methodist Church, Superior, Montana on October 15, 2017 at 3:00 PM.

http://gardencityfh.com/book-of-memories/3175557/Grunhuvd-Russell/obituary.php