Donald Ervin Grell, 88

Donald Ervin Grell, 88, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2023.

Born on Nov. 19, 1934, in Hutchinson, Minn., to William H. and Lucille A. (Lasky) Grell, he grew up in New Germany, Minn. After graduating from Norwood-Young America High School, he earned a BA in business administration from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minn., in 1956. He met Jean L. Stueve who attended St. Catherine University, and they were married June 8, 1957, in St. Cloud, Minn.

As a banker, he first worked at the First State Bank of New Germany (1956-1960), Norwest Bank of Minneapolis (1960 – 1976), and finally as vice president at Wells Fargo Bank in Kalispell (1976 to 1990). Don also had a hospitality career as co-owner/manager of the Days Inn Kalispell from 1990 to 2000. After retirement, he and Jean spent the winter months in Phoenix and summers in Kalispell.

Don and Jean’s family grew through the years to include daughters Lois, Diane, Carol and Nancy and son Brian. Don was active in his local church and community throughout his life. He served on the St. Matthew’s Parish Council, as a director with the Flathead Association for Catholic Education (FACE), and was a member of the Kiwanis Club. Don loved to participate in sports, especially pheasant and duck hunting, fishing, handball, bowling and golf and to follow many professional sports. He enjoyed traveling and organized amazing family vacations in the family station wagon as well as many US and overseas trips. He will be remembered for his fine and sometimes pointed sense of humor, as a hard worker, great father, husband, friend, and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Don was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean Grell; daughters, Lois Hendrickson (Joel), Diane Mueller, Carol Morris (Tim), Nancy Cesario (Vincent); and son, Brian Grell (Kylene); brother, Douglas R. Grell (Marilyn); grandchildren, Caroline (Garrett), Anders (Annie), Tyler (Jen), Nathan (Elizabeth), Casey, Monica (Tucker), Cameron (Baylee), Eddy and Margaret; along with five great-grandchildren.

In his honor, a prayer vigil will be held Thursday, April 13 at 6 p.m. at Buffalo Hills Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church on Friday, April 14 at 11 a.m. (streaming on YouTube, St. Matthew’s Parish Kalispell). Following the service will be an interment at Glacier Memorial Gardens and a reception at St. Matthew’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Flathead Association for Catholic Education (FACE) through St. Matthew’s Parish or Gonzaga University School of Law.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.