Arthur S. 'Art' Grisez, 92
Arthur S. “Art” Grisez, 92, of Kalispell, passed peacefully to the great flying field in heaven on July 30, 2022, while visiting in Lafayette, Indiana.
He was born Aug. 26, 1929, with a non-surviving twin sister in South Bend, Indiana, to Arthur P. and Sylvia M. (Liming) Grisez. His brother, David N., joined the family six years later.
Art was raised in Logansport, Indiana. To help support the family, he worked at the Pharos Tribune, Double Dip Ice Cream Shop and Logansport Flying Service. After graduating from Logansport High School in 1947, he was employed at Wolf Construction, Kains Motor Service, Purdue University Police and served in the Indiana National Guard before settling on a career from 1955 to 1975 with the Indiana State Police. For the last 11 years of his ISP career, he served as public information officer at the Lafayette Post. He spoke to thousands of people, including student drivers, farm granges/coops and church organizations, to name only a few. He co-initiated and ran a summer Law Enforcement Career Camp for boys at the Tippecanoe County 4-H Center. During this time, he also operated Lafayette Divers Supply and Merman Divers Club, teaching and certifying thousands to SCUBA dive as one of the Founding Fathers of PADI.
While still in high school, Art met his future bride, Carolyn M. Clawson. They were married in 1953 after her graduation from St. Luke’s Nursing School as a registered nurse. They raised three children in Lafayette where they made their first home, Karen S. Zanol of Wenatchee, Washington (1955), Arthur D. Grisez of Lafayette (1956), and Timothy J. Grisez of Kingston, Washington (1958). As an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Art served on the church council and as congregational president. He also served his community through the Lafayette Noon Kiwanis and PTA, among other organizations.
With diversified skills in all things mechanical and sport flying interest, Art rebuilt several airplanes, including a J-3 Piper Cub, Interstate Cadet and World War II vintage bi-plane, the Navy N3N-3.
Upon moving to Kalispell in 1979, Art had a second career with School District No. 5, while enjoying hobbies of building and flying dozens of RC model airplanes and later constructing electric train layouts. He built a couple of cabins on Swan Lake enjoyed by the family for 50-plus years of boating, fishing, swimming and relaxation.
A friend and guiding light to many, Art is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carolyn; daughter Karen (Tim) Zanol; sons Art Grisez and Tim Grisez; brother David Grisez of Logansport, Indiana; three grandchildren and five great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant twin sister.
Visitation will be held Aug. 13 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., with a service following at 2:30 p.m. at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 Main St., Kalispell. A private family interment will follow.
Condolences may be shared at www.jgfuneralhome.com.