Lonnie Jo Gruneich

June 14, 1951 ~ October 27, 2022

Lonnie J. Gruneich, 71, Dell Rapids, died Thursday, October 27, 2022, at her home, unexpectedly from health issues.

A private Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

Lonnie Jo Mutschelknaus was born June 14, 1951, to L.K. and Ardis (Evenson) Mutschelknaus, in Yankton. Her father worked for the railroad as a vacation substitute. Lonnie cherished the memories of staying in the stations, then fishing and hunting after work. The family moved to Trent, where she graduated from Flandreau High School. In the summer of 1966, a new lifeguard worked at the swimming pool; the handsome Stanley Gruneich. The summer romance between the two continued for over 50 years. Part of Stanley and Lonnie’s married life was moving; over 24 houses were made into homes throughout the years. Together they had three boys and four grandchildren.

After moving with Stan for 9 years of active-duty Army, they moved to Sioux Falls, then a few years later, Stan was ordained as a minister. Lonnie worked at the Presbytery level, leading over 40 camps, conferences, and committees. She was the Presbytery Delegate to General Assembly in Houston, TX. Lonnie was asked to speak before the assembly for the Youth Rally in South Dakota. At that time, it was the largest Presbytery Youth Rally in the nation.

Lonnie was a skilled and quick learner. She worked in grocery stores, flower shops, and then for 12 years, as a 911 dispatcher.

Lonnie will be deeply missed by her husband, Stanley, Dell Rapids; three sons, Jason (Mae), Sioux Falls, Joel (Pheonix), Gardnerville, NV, and Nick (Kelley), Dell Rapids; four grandchildren, Dominick, Olivia, Emma, and Evan; three siblings, Dave (Jane) Mutschelknaus, Brandon, Kay (Mark) Bonrud, Sioux Falls, and Dan (Amy) Mutschelknaus, Brandon; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

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