John Edward Grundhoffer

John (also known as Jack) was born in Bremerton, Washington on March 2, 1920. He passed away in University Place, Washington on April 16, 2018, a beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather.

John spent his early youth with his parents in the timber camps of Skagit and Snohomish counties where his parents cooked or on the ferry from Point Defiance to Tahlequah to Gig Harbor selling popcorn at age 5 for a nickel a bag while his parents ran the lunch counter. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Seattle in 1939, he went to work for his brother in the canning plants of Merced and Modesto, California. John served with the Washington National Guard, US Army, 41st Division, 116th Quartermaster Regiment during World War II fighting in New Guinea and later serving with the military police in Cleveland, Chicago and Cheyenne.

He met his wife, Grace (Jenna), in Aberdeen, Washington prior to his overseas deployment. They were the first couple ever to be married by proxy in 1943 with John in New Guinea and Grace in Aberdeen, Washington. After his service ended, the couple settled in Olympia and had a son, John Michael in 1947. John retired from the US Postal Service in 1978 as Assistant Postmaster in Olympia, Washington after 33 years of service. Grace passed away in 1987.

In his younger years, John was an avid fisherman and built his own small boat. He also bowled and golfed, scoring a hole in one on the number 6 hole at Capital City Golf Course in the 70’s. Later life brought Claudia Drury to him and they were partners for almost 22 years. With Claudia, he bought several RVs and traveled the West Coast extensively oftentimes with other members of the Tenino RVers. They also travelled around the country including Hawaii and to Mexico and Canada. Claudia passed away in 2010.

John was a member of the Tenino Eagles, Tenino RVers, The Olympia Elks Club, the Ira L. Cater VFW, the American Legion, Olympia Sons of Italy and the 41st Division Jungleers.

John was loved and beloved by all who met him. He loved pinochle and poker and his visits to the casino were an important part of his life right on up through his 97th year. He will be missed but fondly remembered.

John was also preceded in death by his parents Peter Henry and Julia Margaret (Blashkowski) Grundhoffer of Port Orchard, Washington and by his six brothers and sisters and a special nephew, John Carlson of Aberdeen.

John is survived by his son Michael and his daughter-in-law, Sharon and by grandson Matt and grandson Paul and his wife Andrea Fox. He leaves 5 great grandchildren, Aaric, Ava, Landon, Maverick and Jaaden.

Special thanks to all those who came to see him or called or sent him a card in the last days of his life and those who were special to him including his virtual stepdaughter, Juliet Scudder, nieces Julie Westhoff, Rita Foley, Rose Mitchell and Dolly Lowman, granddaughter-in-law Nekkia Jackson along with her family and goddaughter Leigh McKinsey.

Special thanks to MultiCare Hospice, 1st Legacy Senior Family Home (Carlos, Jorge, Edgar and Elma) for their superb care in his final days and to Brookdale Allenmore Independent Living.

Interment in Masonic Memorial Park, Tumwater, Washington.