Dr. Virgil R. Grunkemeyer, 86, of Rockford, IL passed Friday, January 19, 2018. Born December 25, 1931 in Brookville, Indiana, he is the son of Frank and Rose (Gallagher) Grunkemeyer.
He attended 2 years of high school at St. Meinrad Seminary, then entered the military and achieved a rank of Master Sergeant E-7. Virgil attained a dual degree in Business Management and Business Education from Indiana University. His masters and Ed.D were earned from Ball State University for Elementary Education and Educational Administration. He was a teacher, principal and professor of Education at Bradley University for 23 years, and superintendent later in life. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed boating, swimming and gardening and was blessed to be married for 46 years.
Virgil is survived by his wife Wanita (Dossett) Rockford, Illinois; sons, Brian and Roger Grunkemeyer both of Seattle, Washington; daughters Angela Grunkemeyer, Englewood, Colorado; Dr. Monica (John) Martens, Naperville, Illinois; sister Rosella Billman of Sunman, Indiana; brother Clete Grunkemeyer of Morris, Indiana and grandchildren Samantha, Claire, and Daisy Martens. He is preceded by his parents; sister, Florence Grunkemeyer and grandson, John Will Martens.
A visitation is being held Tuesday, January 23rd at Fitzgerald Funeral Home in Rockford, Illinois and a service 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 24th at Holy Family Church in Rockford. Visitation locally will be Thursday, January 25th, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Friday, January 26th, at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church. The family requests memorials to the Boy Scouts of America.