Henry Joseph "Hank" Gruntorad, Jr.

Henry J.“Hank” Gruntorad, Jr. of Lexington, Nebraska, died Thursday, November 5, 2009, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska. He was born July 14, 1943, at Lexington, Nebraska to Henry Joseph and Susie Kathryn (Thinnes) Gruntorad. Hank was the youngest of 9 children. He grew up in the Overton and Lexington area and attended country schools and Overton High School. He did not graduate from high school, but was so very proud of the fact that he received his GED in 1983, the same year his son, Kenny, received his diploma. Hank went to work at Central Alfalfa at Joselyn and worked there for 18 years until it closed. He then worked for Service Supply for 5 years and ventured out on his own, owning Hank’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for many years. He also helped area farmers during harvest. He always enjoyed farm life and raised hogs for several years. Hank was united in marriage to Karen Anthony on October 20, 1962, at Lexington. To this union two sons were born; Ken & Mark. Hank enjoyed camping and hunting, especially at Chadron. His biggest joy was being with the grandsons; whether just around home, camping, hunting and of course all their sporting events. He hated to miss any of the games. The boys were his pride and joy and he loved to tease them. Infact, Hank would tease just about anybody who could take a good ribbing! Hank was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Survivors include his loving wife: Karen Gruntorad of Lexington, Nebraska One son: Ken (Jamie) Gruntorad of Lexington, Nebraska Three grandsons: Riley and his fiancé Jess Gilbertson, Ryan & Tyler Gruntorad. Three brothers: Ervin (Lois) Gruntorad from Lemoore, California Donald (Doriene) Gruntorad of Gilbert, Arizona Robert (Luanne) Gruntorad of Gilbert, Arizona One sister: Kathryn (Don) Lessig of Lexington, Nebraska His special dog: Bo Also, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives as well as many friends. Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Chet & Clara Anthony; his son, Mark; sisters, Agnes and brother-in-law, Frank and an infant sister, and two brothers, Joe & Frances Dean. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, November 9, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska with Father Jorge Canela officiating. Burial will be in the Hewitt Cemetery northeast of Lexington. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 8, 2009, from 4-6 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington with Scripture Service to follow at 6:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Area Chapter of the Compassionate Friends or the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of Sympathy may be sent to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.