Frank L. Grimm

Frank L. Grimm, age 85, of Wyoming, passed from this life to the next on Friday, June 18, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Evelyn. Frank lived his whole life in Wyoming, Michigan, but his impact spread far. Frank was a three sport athlete at Wyoming Park (football, basketball and track) and was also involved in theater. Very well-liked by his classmates he was voted most popular with his future wife Evelyn. Under his senior picture it states, “Never so busy a man as he.” He also competed in two sports in college and was the MIAA conference champ in cross country. After graduating from Kalamazoo College, he taught biology and physiology at Wyoming Park for 35 years. In addition to teaching, he also coached cross country and track. His successes as a coach are many but what was most important to him were the individuals on his team. His honesty, integrity and expertise helped his athletes achieve great performances but also served as a great example for life. Even when Frank was done coaching and retired from teaching, he worked basketball games and continued to run the Wyoming Relays (renamed the Frank Grimm Wyoming Relays). In retirement, Frank didn’t slow down. He ran a painting business with some of his kids. He and Ev traveled together with friends to Alaska, Hawaii, Panama, and Europe among other places. He biked with friends and relatives all over the United States. He hiked most of the Appalachian trail, bits at a time over years, with his brothers-in-law. He also did several horseback riding trips out west. In retirement, his garden continued to grow, especially the flower portion, specifically dahlias. Frank made connections with other dahlia growers and ended up with a huge variety of dahlias that he would cut and deliver all over town several days a week. Just because it made people smile. If a person knew Frank from any of the above activities they probably would also know how much he loved his wife. Frank bragged about Ev all the time. They fell in love in high school and lived a Godly life together ever since. Frank became Ev’s full time caregiver when Alzheimer’s kept her from being able to care for herself. His devotion to her to the end has been inspiring. Frank looked forward to his move to Rivertown Ridge a year and a half ago to share his jokes, stories, and kindness with residents and caregivers. In the short time he was there, many have said what a good man he was and how he positively impacted their lives with his humor, compassion and thoughtfulness. Frank’s children will forever remember his example of hard work, striving to do the right thing, words of wisdom and the best hugs. He will be greatly missed by his six children, Steve and Jan Grimm, Gayla and Jack Boersma, Karen and Bruce Huttenga, Mindy Grimm, Eric and Kris Grimm, Evie and Jeff Floyd; 17 grandchildren, Abby and Trevor Uitvlugt, Molly Grimm, Chelsey and Neil Scott, Dane and Lisa Boersma, Corin and Andrew Gait, Adam Huttenga, Cole Huttenga, Alyssa Oetman, Jason and Kelsey Oetman, Jenna Oetman, Tyler and Kelly Grimm, Laura Grimm, Kelli Grimm, Brooklyn Irvin, Makayla Irvin, Jagger Irvin, Gunner Irvin; five great-grandchildren, Mason Boersma, Amelia Scott, Emma, Ava, and Ezra Grimm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church, 1261 Lee St. SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Kent Rottman officiating. The burial will take place at Kent Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, June 23, from 4-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Grandville Calvin Christian School Foundation.