Willis Gary Grundvig

Willis Gary Grundvig, age 83, died 3 February 2024 peacefully in his home.  Born April 23, 1940, in Price, Utah.  He was the son of the late Mr. Willis Laine Grundvig and Enola Ellen Ellis.  He graduated from Grand County High School in Moab, Utah. 

After high school he worked in the oil fields in several Midwest states. He enlisted in the USAF and served on Guam, Tagu, Korea and US from 1958-1963, receiving the purple Heart medal.  He attended Utah Tech College in Salt Lake City, receiving his associate in mechanical engineering. Working for Boeing as one of their Principal Designers. Started a family, had two daughters, while advancing his career to a Rocket Propulsion Engineer.  Working for Martin Marrietta and NASA on the space shuttle's Columbia and Challenger, Titan, Atlas 3, 4 & 5 Rockets.  

In 1980, he met Valerie, who had two sons, they married in 1981, and have combined four children and five grandchildren.  In 1992, he became a member of the Masonic Organization, Lakewood Lodge #170.  He was a big influence of the time capsule being placed in the Lakewood Civic Center, Lakewood CO. In 1993, he joined the Order of Eastern Star.  In1999 and 2008 he served as Master for the Lakewood Lodge #170.  He was elected and installed as Worthy Grand Patron in Colorado of the OES. (2004-2005) He finished out his working days with his love of Baseball working with the Colorado Rockies for over 10 years. He continued to work through his local masonic lodge as a 32-degree Scottish Rite and OES Chapter #53 in Grand Junction until his passing.  

He was preceded in death by his wife Valerie Grundvig, stepfather Harry Lee Ellis (who he called dad), brothers, Ted Shannon, Dean and Robert Ellis, Sister Martha Ellis and one grandchild Bailey Bashor.  He is survived by two daughters Athena Devereaux and Yvonne Bashor (Brett), Two Stepsons Steven Bender and Jason Bender, Brother Virgle Ellis (Brenda), sister Nancy Thayn (Ellis) and four grandchildren, Jenna, Nathan, Annika and Jackson.  

Full military memorial service will be held on February 26, 2024, at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western CO, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, CO 81501 PROMPTLY at 3:00 PM.  Please consider making a memorial contribution in Willis G. Grundvig name to the Veterans Memorial.  Any Flowers or cards please send to Brown's Cremation & Funeral Service at 904 N. 7th St. Grand Junction, CO 81501, to be present at the memorial/celebration of life. Blessings.