Leo Grimm

John Grimm was a kind- hearted man who enjoyed visiting with anyone who came across his path. He was always sincere but had a dry sense of humor. It was these subtle things that combined to make him the man his friends and family loved.

During the decade of John’s birth, America was experiencing success like never before. Technology made the country seem much smaller by giving people more efficient means of communication and transportation. Radios, movies, and automobiles were all the rage, and the use of credit meant Americans could spend money like never before. In fact, the average American could buy his very own Ford for just $290, which would be less than $3000 in today’s economy.

Although times were good, the Grimm family of Plainwell still had to work hard to make a living. Sidney Grimm was the patriarch of the family, and he found work farming wherever he could. Despite their financial difficulties, Sidney and his wife, Iva Bell, were determined to have a large and loving family. They eventually had eleven children, the eighth of whom was Leo “John” Grimm. Leo was born on May 30, 1925. His oldest sister had the privilege of naming her brother, but when her father held his son for the first time, he said, “He looks like a John to me.” The name stuck with him, and Leo has been known as John ever since.

John’s family struggled to make ends meet, but they were very determined to be successful. John quit school at the age of 15 to earn extra money. Luckily, he was always able to find work. His earnings helped his family to have a better life, especially considering the losses and hardships they faced. John’s brother, Lowell, had died in childhood after a fall down a flight of stairs. The event was tragic for the entire family, but their determination never wavered.

John grew into a level- headed young man who knew the value of hard work. Most importantly, he was a kind man. His endearing personality won the heart of Doris Bowen, a women John met at a Grange Hall dance at Pine Lake. Their love grew strong very quickly and after courting for less than a year they married on October 23, 1950. By that time, John had joined the Army and was sent to Korea shortly after his wedding. While John was away, he and Doris kept in close contact. They wrote letters to each other regularly with words of love and support. Doris & John kept those letters and would reflect back on them over their 54 years of marriage.

In Korea, John bravely survived the extremely cold and hostile environment. Meanwhile, back in Plainwell, his wife Doris gave birth to their first son, John. Baby John was followed by Bert Lee, Ivan, Kevin, and Iva, all by the year 1955. Unfortunately, baby Bert Lee died as an infant from the effects of prematurity.

By 1957, John and his family had built a home in Plainwell. While they were waiting for it to be completed, all six of the Grimms lived in a bus parked on the property. Having to make due with such a confining space made them appreciate their home even more. As soon as they were settled, the whole family began farming the land. Even though John worked full-time at Valley Metal Company and Checker Motors, he still milked cows, tended chickens, and fed the hogs and rabbits. The Grimm children learned a great work ethic from their father, who always made them do their chores. John was a strict father, but he also had a kind heart. His children knew their father loved them by the way he would lovingly tease them just to see them smile.

The children also learned to not take for granted what the good Lord gave to them. They all appreciated the support of a large family and what resulted from working together, especially on the farm. Wonderful food was the fruits of their labor and John especially loved any type of pork dish made from his hogs. After retiring in 1991, John continued to work hard around the farm because he enjoyed it. He particularly loved taking care of the lawn and garden, where he grew corn specifically for the wild animals that passed through his yard.

John enjoyed his retirement years with his family, who loved that he was always so generous with his time. His wife Doris received much of his attention because he loved to wait on her every need. Doris and John filled their later years with simple pleasures, like playing cards or watching “Gunsmoke.” They took these moments to reflect back on their lives and the 54 unforgettable years they had spent together.

Leo “John” Grimm died at his home May 19, 2004. Members of John’s family include his wife of 54 years Doris Bowen, daughter Iva (Michael) Predum of Plainwell, sons Kevin (Connie) Grimm of Plainwell, Ivan (Bonnie) Grimm of Kalamazoo, John (Rose Anne) Grimm of Shelbyville, brothers Dewey and Sidney “Joe” Grimm both of Plainwell, six grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by a son Bert Lee Grimm, Sisters Lila Doxey, Lilian VanArsdale, brothers Lowell, Vivian, Fred, Lester and Marvin Grimm.

Learn more about John, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall & Gren Life Story Funeral Home Plainwell Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the same location. Military honors will be provided by V.F.W Post 3030 of Otsego. Please visit John’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers or make a memorial donation to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association.

John Grimm was the kind of sincerely good family man everyone esteemed. His work ethic built him a successful life, and his kind heart endeared him to his friends and family forever.