David L. Grimm, Sr., 88, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on February 2, 2026. David was born on December 19, 1937, in Menomonie, WI, to Francis “Fritz” and Lucille (Webster) Grimme. He spent his early years working the family farm in Menomonie before graduating from the Dunn County School of Agriculture and Domestic Science in 1957. His adventurous spirit then took him to North Dakota to work on another family farm before heenlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959.

During his service, David served as a cook and baker aboard the ammunition supply ship USS Suribachi and the geographical surveyor USS Maury. Sailing the world's oceans, he discovered a lifelong love for the Mediterranean, which remained his favorite destination of all his travels. Following his honorable discharge in 1963, David transitioned his culinary skills into a career as a master butcher and meat cutter, serving communities in Virginia, California, and eventually returning home to Wisconsin.

David had an insatiable curiosity and a zest for life. A lifelong learner, he could often be found diving into the latest in electronics, space science, and computers, or tending to the various fruit and nut trees he planted in his yard. Maintaining a connection to his farming roots, he took great pride in his vegetable garden, finding joy in the seasonal work he had loved since his youth. Alongside his wife, Kathleen, David made their home a cornerstone of the neighborhood. While Kathleen created a welcoming sanctuary filled with the aroma of fresh coffee, sweets, and warm conversation, David was the quiet strength supporting her. He was the man the local kids knew they could turn to for a bike repair, always ready to lend his tools and talents to help a neighbor. Whether he was working in the garden or fixing a toy, you would rarely find him without the sounds of classic country music playing in the background. A fan of the film “Somewhere in Time,” David truly appreciated the simple, enduring things in life.

David is survived by his children: step-son Steven (Merlyn) Keefer of Yorktown, VA; Michael Grimm of Eau Claire; Christopher Grimm of Newport News, VA (all from his marriage to Robbie Shelton); and David Grimm, Jr. of Appleton, WI (from his marriage to Kathleen). He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Robinson; brother, Dennis Grimm; three grandchildren, Christina Crouse, Jacob Grimm, and Stacy (Jerry) Madsen; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished foreign exchange students, Andreas (Sweden) and Morena (Germany).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Kathleen Grimm; his brother, Corey Grimme; and his grandson, Andrew.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many care providers who supported David over the years. Your dedication to his comfort and safety meant the world to him, especially the staff at Dove Healthcare - West in Eau Claire, who made him feel truly at home.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1120 Cedar St, Eau Claire, WI). Visitation will be held at the Church on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. A small lunch will be served at Church following the service. The burial will take place in the spring at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Menomonie, WI. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.