Valencia (Val) Barbara Jane Grunenwald, passed away peacefully at her home in Merrill, WI on August 9thsurrounded by her loving family.
Val was the cherished daughter of the late Leslie and Clara Smith, also from Merrill. Born March 29, 1928, at her parent’s home on Naugart Drive in the Town of Maine, she spent 96 years as part of the Merrill community.
Val met the love of her life, Floyd Grunenwald, at a popcorn wagon in downtown Merrill. Following Floyd’s return from World War II, they were married on June 8, 1946, with the wedding reception held at Plautz’s Pavilion. Floyd, who preceded her in death in 1987, was her steadfast partner in life and business. In 1960 they purchased the Beacon Bar and Restaurant, where she enjoyed serving her famous flavor crisp pressure fried chicken and homemade stuffing. Val was a proud member of the Tavern League of Wisconsin for 65 years, serving as Treasurer in the 1960’s. In 2023, Val was inducted with Mike into the Wisconsin Old Fashioned Hall of Fame. Through the years, her warmth and hospitality turned many customers into lifelong friends.
She is survived by her sons, Bob (Janet) and Mike. Mike continues to honor his parents’ legacy by operating the Beacon Bar and Restaurant.
She is also survived by her sister, Verdelma Guest -Park Forest, IL; her brother, Leslie (Sherri) Smith -Marshfield, WI; and her grandsons: Chris (Sarah) -Merrill, WI, Nick (Caroline) -Columbia, MO, Alex (Moriah) -West Salem, WI, and Ty (Tyler) -Raleigh, NC. Val was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life: Erik, Emily, Ella, Cade, Cora, Calvin, Layla, and London.
She is further survived by in-laws Duane (Carol) Grunenwald, Al Schmolze, Phyllis (Clarence) Kostecki, and Laverne Grunenwald.
Val was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Grunenwald, and her brother, Stan Smith and his wife Doris, and byin-laws Edward (Ruth) Grunenwald, Lavine (Lorenz) Krause, Douglas (Lorraine) Grunenwald, Lloyd (Gladys) Grunenwald, Wilbur Grunenwald, Jeanette Schmolze, Eugene (Mabel) Grunenwald, Vilas Steidinger. Marilyn Grunenwald and Jack Guest.
Known for her vibrant spirit, Val had a deep passion for flower and vegetable gardening and was an enthusiastic supporter of Merrill Bluejay sports, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Green Bay Packers. Throughout the years she was proud to sponsor numerous local teams. Val’s family was her greatest joy, and she delighted in following her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events.
Visitation will be held Wednesday August 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Taylor & Stine Funeral Home. A celebration of Val’s life will be held on August 15, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Merrill, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Scott Gustafson will officiate. Internment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lincoln County Humane Society, or the Merrill Historical Society.
Val’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefunerlahome.com
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