Cletus F. Grunkemeyer, age 94 of Batesville, Indiana, died Thursday, July 27, 2023, at St. Andrew Health Campus in Batesville. Born July 26, 1929 at St. Mary’s, Indiana, he is the son of Rose (Nee: Gallagher) and Frank Grunkemeyer. He married Rose Marie Erhardt July 28, 1956, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Morris, Indiana. Clete worked as a long hauler truck driver for the Batesville Casket Company for 50 years, before retiring at the age of 87. He was an Army veteran, serving in the Korean War, was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183, Tri-County Coonhunter’s Association, Eagles Aerie #1130, and the Knights of Columbus Council #1461.
Clete was also a proud member of the NRA and supporter of the second amendment, the right to keep and bear arms. He loved to shoot trap and skeet and believed in fostering that skill set in the younger generations. He enjoyed reloading shells as this allowed him to provide the younger shooters with an inexpensive option for ammunition.
He was an active person who didn’t like to sit very long unless he was driving in his car sightseeing. He especially enjoyed looking for bald eagles during his rides. He liked all classic cars and was fond of the Ford Model T, especially his own. During Clete’s 50 years of trucking, he saw a lot of the country but two of his favorite places to deliver to were New Foundland and Nova Scotia.
Clete enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed a good meal and desserts were his favorite.
Clete was a social person who enjoyed the company of others. He enjoyed playing golf and traveling. He and Rose took many trips together making memories over the years. Their favorite trip was to Alaska.
He is survived by his wife Rose of Morris; daughter Sandra (Greg) Zeigler of Batesville; sons Randal (Sandra) Grunkemeyer, Dale (Linda) Grunkemeyer and Steven Grunkemeyer, all of Morris, Glenn (Kim) Grunkemeyer of Greensburg, Indiana, Chris (Mindy) Grunkemeyer of Batesville, Roy (Patti) Grunkemeyer of Sunman, Indiana; sister Rosella Billman of Sunman; grandchildren Renee Gutzwiller, Danielle Grunkemeyer, Ryan Grunkemeyer, Justin Grunkemeyer, Michaela Todd, Mariah Schwegman, Bailey Grunkemeyer, Clayton Grunkemeyer, Jack Grunkemeyer, Ethan Grunkemeyer and Kody Grunkemeyer; great grandchildren Charlie, Posie and Prim Schwegman, Gus and Miles Gutzwiller, Brody and Walter Grunkemeyer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Dr. Florence Grunkemeyer and brother Dr. Virgil Grunkemeyer.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 30th, from 1 – 4 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 31st at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Morris, with Rev. Shaun Whittington officiating. The burial will follow in the church cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Anthony Cemetery Fund or the Gibault School. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.