Michael W. Grund

Michael Wayne Grund passed away on September 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after a two month battle of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Michael was born on December 13, 1955 at St. John's hospital in Fargo, ND to his parents Burton and Eileen (Franke) Grund. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He graduated from Fargo North High School in 1974. Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Cynthia (Ellefson) Grund, and they were united in marriage on December 6th, 1980. They were inseparable for 44 years. This union brought forth four children who were the greatest accomplishment of his life and eight grandchildren who brought him so much joy. Mike took a special interest in his children’s activities serving both as their coach and biggest fan.

Mike wore many different hats in life literally and figuratively. After graduation, he immediately began his working career where he served the community for 50 years. He especially enjoyed working for Orthopaedic Associates in Fargo, ND as the Property Manager and took pride in making the property grounds flawless. He took on a second job bartending at the American Legion in Moorhead, MN and was quickly given the nickname “Sparky” because of the energy he exuded as an exceptional bartender. Mike was accomplished in everything he did. There was nothing he couldn't do or a challenge too great. No shortcuts were taken. He instilled the importance of giving it all you have and finishing the task to his children and grandchildren.

A devoted husband, superhero dad, and loving grandfather; Mike was a man who was larger than life and the rock of his family. He had endless energy and ran circles around his family. He was always busy doing something. Mike enjoyed spending time at the lakes of Minnesota, especially Lake Belle Taine where he and Cyndi would take their children camping every summer at Camper's Paradise for over 30 years. Alongside Cyndi he enjoyed spending time outdoors, landscaping, bike riding, and simply being together. He made sure to provide a bouquet of flowers to Cyndi every month throughout their life together. They were never not working side by side on house projects. He loved to bake and share his delicious cookies with others. He never missed a firework display or the Blue Angels show when they came to town. He was passionate about sports and there wasn't a player in professional sports that he didn't know. Each of his children had a sport they’d watch together with their dad; Minnesota Timberwolves with Michelle, Minnesota Twins with Leslie, World of Outlaws with Derek, and the Minnesota Wild with Brandon. He enjoyed the NDSU Bison. We don’t know of a more dedicated fan than Mike. He was passionate about Bison football where a blowout was just as entertaining as a close game. He also attended many Bison softball games and wrestling matches. Mike had a great sense of humor and was quick witted. He was competitive, naturally skilled and gifted in all things he did, creative and brilliant minded in both work and play. 

He loved to travel with Cyndi. He especially enjoyed traveling to North Carolina to visit his daughter Leslie & family. He loved Leslie and Paul’s annual golf event in Las Vegas which made him so proud. He made a point to wish ‘good luck’ to each of the 500 golfers who attended. Mike was hired to put together the gift bag items for the event and took pride in his nine year contribution. Mike absolutely loved feeling like a kid ziplining across the US. His favorite adventure was the Royal Gorge in Colorado. He also spent many years traveling to Florida with the Christianson family on vacation. 

Mike was playful throughout his entire life. He was known as a big kid by all who knew him. He was the kind of father and grandfather who’d play for hours with the grandkids building towers and castles with magnetic tiles, playing chess and board games, coloring, and playing sports in the backyard. He made sure to fly a kite with every grandchild. Mike always hid smarties and M&Ms around the house for when the grandkids would visit which made it a fun game for them to discover all of the clever places he’d hide them. He was known for making the most grand snow luge. WDAY did a news segment on the first luge he made for his children and the rest of the neighborhood kids back in 1993. He continued the tradition at every home he lived in.

Mike cherished each day and lived life to the absolute fullest. Mike was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He was a kind and gentle soul, genuine and considerate. Always helping someone and putting their needs before his own. He was caring, compassionate, loving, and generous. A brave, strong, and courageous man. He was a warrior up until his last breath. Alongside our grief and desperate need for understanding, writing his obituary is by far the greatest challenge we faced as a family because it would take 68 years of stories to speak to who he was as a person and the impact he had in this world. You simply just had to know him. Mike was loved deeply and he will be profoundly missed. The legacy of Mike Grund will live on forever. 

Mike is survived by his wife Cyndi Grund of Moorhead, MN, daughter Michelle (James) Kaiser of Gary, MN, daughter Leslie (Paul) Christianson of Raleigh, NC, son Derek (Erin) Grund of Nevis, MN, and son Brandon (Karlene) Grund of Moorhead, MN. Grandchildren Nora Lynn, Theodore (TJ), and Elsa Kaiser. Cameron and Cayson Christianson, Briley and Weston Jesme, and Iris Grund. Mike is also survived by his son Chris (Megan) Evenson and their son Jude of Abliene, TX. Brother Bob (Chris) Grund of Boise, ID, sisters Bev (Dale) Carlson of Las Vegas, NV, Linda (Roy) Gerhart of Billings, MT, Janet (Rick) Hogfoss of Fargo, ND, and Peggy (Kevin) Swally of Billings, MT. Extended family Molly (Jeff) Krenzel of Moorhead, MN and Ethan (Michelle) Mabus of Felton, MN and his beloved Great Dane rescue dog Marley who never left his side. 

Honorary Pallbearers: Life long dearest friends - Doug Golz of Fargo, ND, Dave Sklebar of Phoenix, AZ, Matt Rerick of Moorhead, MN, Terry Johnson of Moorhead, MN, and Dave Sullivan of Fargo, ND. 

Memorial gathering will take place Saturday, September 28, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM, followed by the memorial service at 1:00 PM, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, MN.