Obituary for John C. Grelle

He was born November 6, 1944, in Prairie du Chien, Wis., to Frederick and Ona (Wainright) Grelle. John was a graduate of Campion High School in Prairie du Chien. It was during his high school years that he met Margaret Ann “Peggy” Johnson; they fell in love and were married on June 20, 1964 in Prairie du Chien.

John worked as a sales manager for La Crosse Graphics and later sold fine paper products for International Paper Company.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his sons at the cabin. John was very proud of the cabin that he and his son, Michael, built on the land they purchased in the year 2000. He treasured the many memories that were made with both of his sons during their years spent on the land. John also enjoyed watching sports especially, the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers, and spending time with his friends at “The Turtle” in Stoddard who were a huge support after Peggy died in 2008.

He was a self taught intelligent man with a creative mind and was a king jerry rigger.

Survivors include his son, Chris (Bridget) Grelle; daughter-in-law, Dawn Grelle; grandchildren, Heather (Marco), Matthew, Aidan, and Bryce; one great-granddaughter, Neriah; siblings, Fred (Barb) Grelle, Will Grelle, and Martha Finn and their families; in-laws, Ken Johnson, Nancy (Bill) Stuart, and Jim (Teri) Johnson and their families; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Peggy, John was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael; and sisters-in-law, Mary Grelle and Faye Johnson.

The family would like to offer a sincere thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice and the G.I Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse for the wonderful care they provided.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in La Crosse. Father Brian Konopa will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Woodruff Chapel, 4239 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse. There will be no visitation prior to the Mass on Thursday.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.