John Fred Grunigen

John Fred Grunigen, 74, of Ashford, CT passed away peacefully on June 14, 2016 surrounded by his wife and children. John was born on August 24, 1941 in Woodlake, CA to R. Neil Grunigen and Zillah Mercedes (Campbell) Grunigen. John was a member of the US Navy from 1961-1963 serving on the USS St. Paul. After his service, John received a degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly, in Pomona, CA. In 1968, John drove his '57 Chevy across the country to settle his family in Ashford while he pursued a graduate degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Connecticut. In 1974, John started Consulting Environmental Engineering which he dedicated himself to until his retirement in 2005. John was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Jere and Robert, and many of his beloved dogs. John leaves behind his wife Katharine of Ashford, CT, his daughter Lisa of Ashford, CT, his son Erik and wife Erin of Mill Valley, CA, his daughter Amie and husband Todd of Ashford, CT, and his 5 favorite grandchildren, James, JT, Grace, Nicholas and Emily. Special thanks to the Mansfield Center for Nursing & Rehab staff for taking care of Dad like he was family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John?s memory, to the MCNR Recreation Dept., Attn: Recreation Dept. 100 Warren Circle, Mansfield, CT 06268. John's family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 noon at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel, 46 N. Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.Charitable donations may be made to:Mansfield Center for Nursing and RehabilitationAttn: Recreation Dept., 100 Warren Circle, Mansfield CT 06268Tel: 1-860-487-2300Web: http://www.mcnr.org