John R. Grell

John R. Grell, of East Gull Lake, passed away on May 29, 2020 at his home.

John was born in Royalton, MN on April 9, 1943 to Emma (Hoheisel) and John A. Grell.  He is the youngest of his four siblings. John attended Royalton High School and was the star athlete for the Royalton Royals Basketball team.  He’s recognized for his exceptional talent in the book, “Gopher State Greatness”.  On August 22, 1962 he married his High School sweetheart, Margaret (Marge) Lampert.  The couple started a family, moved to Nisswa, MN to raise their three children.  John was a successful business owner of Grell’s Auto Body and Truck Accessories and retired in 2005.  He loved the outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, camping and traveling.  His passion and love for his family is everything he strived for.

He will be deeply missed by his three children; Michael Grell of East Gull Lake, MN, David (Heather) Grell of Nisswa, MN and Sarah (Chad) Rasinski of Brainerd, MN.  In addition, he will be missed by three grandchildren; Andrew Grell, Jack Grell and Ryan Heinlen and his brother Gene Grell.  

He was preceded in death with his beloved wife, his parents, his brother Rod, his sister Sylvia Grittner, and sister Hilarion Nelson.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am Friday, June 5th at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.  Funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 am and a light luncheon will immediately follow the service.

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