"Big Ed" was born Edward Dean Grunewald at home in Windom on March 23, 1940 to William and Cleo (Fricke) Grunewald. At a very early age he was helping his dad to haul anything that could be moved by their trucks. By age nine, he was driving a dump truck while many of his friends were playing ball or swimming. This allowed Ed to later become a partner and then sole proprietor of Grunewald Gravel. Being a natural with machine operation, he proudly stated that he has dug most of the basements and landscaped the yards in Windom as well as demolished many out of service buildings. With the help of loyal employees, Grunewald Gravel maintained several area township roads. Snow removal was among the multitude of side jobs that he felt obligated to do. School days offered socialization with all students, especially his very close life long Class of 1958 friends, and the comradery of fellow team mates. Although successful in football and baseball, basketball was by far his favorite sport. His trophy, a WAHS leather basketball autographed by Wednesday night ballers, symbolizes his devotion even after retiring from the game at age 72. After six years of courtship, Ed and Nete (Juanita Timmons) were married on October 13, 1962 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Windom. Christe, Terry and Chelle made them into the family that was their focal point until grandsons, Danny, Taylor, Timmy and Blake stole their hearts and led them to high school sporting events in the metro and taught them US geography as they followed many college games. The gift of retirement was enjoyed by sharing their Fish Lake home. Circling the lake on the pontoon never got old. Ed's motto to "Always treat people decently" has resulted in the multitude of friends that are paying tribute to him. Missing Edward are his wife, Nete, and Christe (David Miller), Danny, Timmy (Erin) Miller and Terry (Dean Nelson), Taylor (Allie Rooney), Blake Nelson and Chelle Grunewald and Mary Lou Walinga, his sister. Preceded in eternal life are parents, Bill and Cleo and sister, Cynthia Hanson. Thank you, God, for blessing us with your very best!