Lawrence (Larry) E. Grinstead, 80

Published 5:43 pm Saturday, July 13, 2013

Lawrence (Larry) E. Grinstead, 80

Lawrence (Larry) Eugene Grinstead, 80 of Austin, died July 10, 2013, at his home surrounded by loved ones following a long battle with cancer.

Larry was born on Aug. 31, 1932 in Osage, Iowa, to John and Corinne (Morse) Grinstead. After graduating from the Orchard High School, he joined the U.S. Army serving in Korea from 1953 to 1955. Larry married Barbara Balsley on June 23, 1957. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Animal Husbandry from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, and worked in the feed business for many years. He moved his family to a farm near Austin in 1973 where he and his son, Michael, eventually designed and built Meadow Greens Golf Course.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and he belonged to the American Legion. Larry took great delight in his grandchildren. His favorite pastimes were golfing, traveling, hunting, reading, going to casinos, doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, gardening and socializing with the patrons of the golf course. He will be remembered for his quick wit and his love and devotion to his family

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Corinne Grinstead; three brothers Jerry, Bill and Ronnie and one sister, Cynthia.

Larry is survived by his wife Barbara; daughter and son-in-law: Merry and Joe Wilner, Canon City, Colo.; son and daughter-in-law: Michael and Lynn Grinstead, Austin; five grandchildren: Briana (Logan) Goskesen, Noah and Riley Grinstead, Taylor and Alex Regnier; two step grandchildren: Jacqui and Jenna Wilner; brothers: Donald Grinstead, Lewiston, Ind., James Grinstead, Osage, Iowa, Richard Grinstead, Tucson, Ariz. and David Grinstead, Lewiston, Ind.; sisters: Dorine “Suzi” Thurneau, Osage, Iowa, Ruth Johnson, Riceville, Iowa, Alice Turpin-Grinstead, Edmond, Okla. and Lynda Retterath, Eagan, Minn.; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marilee A. Benson officiating.

Interment will be at Orchard Cemetery in Orchard, Iowa with Austin Post No. 91 American Legion in charge of military rites. Visitation will be on Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and at the church on Tuesday morning for one hour before the service.

Casket bearers will be Michael Grinstead, Joe Wilner, Noah Grinstead, Riley Grinstead, Logan Goskesen and Briana Goskesen.

Memorials may be directed in Larry’s name to the First United Methodist Church Caring Ministry or to the donor’s choice.