Henry Grismer

Henry (Hank) Micheal Grismer, 85, of Great Falls, MT, passed away January 4, 2016 at home from an extended illness.He leaves behind his wife, Dorothy Krause of 65 years; son, Dennis Grismer; daughters Debbie (Tony) Pietrykowski and Sharon (Dave) Jakle; granddaughter Bridget Grismer; step-grandson, William Jakle; brother Leo Grismer; sister Marie Gebert; nephew LeRoy Grismer; nieces Bobbie Whempner and Sheila Partain; and many close friends.Hank was born in Minot, North Dakota on September 29, 1930 to Jacob and Barbara (Voeller) Grismer. At age 11, they moved to Great Falls, where he grew up to be the wonderful man that he was.On December 31, 1949, Hank married the love of his life, Dorothy Krause. They were inseparable throughout their marriage. They loved to take cruises, travel and see the sites in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bahamas meeting with old and young friends alike.From 1952 to 1956 he proudly served our country by joining the Navy, serving on the USS Sitkoh Bay aircraft carrier in the Korean War. He was the last man to sleep on the carrier, slept in the captains bed before the ship was retired. He then served on the USS Gen. A.E. Anderson.Hank built and lived in his beautiful home since 1961 and continued to build many houses over the years. He built a cabin for his family where many wonderful memories were made, riding horses, hunting and hiking. All of this building was done in his spare time. His real job was spent working 42 years with the Great Northern Railroad, now BNSF until retiring in 1985.Though traveling and building was so much fun, having his three children were the greatest gifts of all. There is nothing he wouldnt do for them or anyone else he met. To Hank, his family was his pride and joy.One of Hanks greatest joys of all time is when he became a grandpa, known as PA to his granddaughter, Bridget. She brought him so much happiness throughout their lives together.Hank was a master of all trades, there was nothing he couldnt do. He made a friend in everyone he met. He was always there to lend a helping hand, a friend for life.Hank is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Barbara Grismer and his sister, Emma Dolph.A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.Donations in Hank's name may be made to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.