Ralph Daniel Grimmer Sr.

Ralph Daniel Grimmer, Sr., of Solana Beach, passed away suddenly following a brief illness. Ralph was born April 16, 1942 in East Chicago, IN to Ralph G. and Hazel Grimmer. He had one sister, Marietta. Ralph married Janet (Johnson) Grimmer in December 1963. They gave birth to five children: Dawn, Daniel, Amanda, Erin, and Michael. Ralph was destined to be an entrepreneur. He started selling (Cloverine Salve) when he was nine years old and never stopped being the “business guy.” He insisted on being his own boss for as long as his family can remember. After owning a supermarket and then a food and liquor store in Chicago, Ralph and Janet became McDonald’s Owner/Operators. The family relocated to Gallup, NM, where they opened their first and second restaurants. Ralph served as advertising co-op president in NM, as well as serving on the Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Board. He became a licensed pilot while living in NM. In 1984, the family moved to San Diego to continue growing their McDonald’s business. Ralph served as advertising co-op president in San Diego as well, and was honored to serve on the board of the San Diego Ronald McDonald House Charity. He was a member of the purchasing committee for McDonald’s Regional Operator’s Advisory Board. After a wonderful 40-year career with McDonald’s, the family decided to pursue other endeavors and sold their restaurants in December 2014. Ralph is survived by his wife Janet, of almost 52 years, and three children: Dawn of Savannah, GA, and Daniel (Lara) and Erin (Chris Luessmann), both of Encinitas. He was preceded in death by his infant children, Amanda and Michael. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Lanelle, Kertis (Gina), Danescha, Trinett, Stevanea, and Amelia; and two great-grandchildren: Tessa and Tylee. Ralph also leaves many cousins, several nephews, a niece, two aunts, an uncle, a brother-in-law, and two sisters-in-law. He was truly a one-of-a-kind guy, and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be Monday, December 21, 2015, at St. James Catholic Church, 625 S. Nardo Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Ralph’s life will begin at 2:00 PM. A private burial will take place on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ralph’s name to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego (www.rmhcsd.org). The entire Grimmer family continues to endorse “the House” and its mission to support families with sick children.