Kenneth G. Grilley • 1946- 2010

Kenneth G. Grilley, 64, Surrey, ND, died Wednesday, July 28, 2010 in a Minot hospital.

Kenneth was born on May 14, 1946, a son of Hollis and Lorraine (Smith) Grilley in Minot, ND. Ken attended Grilley Grade school through the eighth grade and graduated from Glenburn High School in 1965. He furthered his education, attending the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND.

On September 16, 1967, Kenneth was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Donna Smette in Deering, ND. Following their marriage, they lived in Oregon, where Ken worked at the Metallurgical Plant until its closure. They then returned to ND, where he worked as a semi-truck driver for several trucking companies but was employed the longest at Cenex and Farstad Oil Co.  He owned and operated Ken’s Service and Ken’s Trucking.  He also truly enjoyed helping on the family farm.

 He was so proud of his family.  Ken spent many hours in the stands watching his children’s sporting events.  As the children aged he was always there to help out with their house projects.  Ken was so proud of his only grandson Tyler for all his athletic accomplishments.  Tyler’s baseball achievements provided all the Family trips for many years.  For the last 5 years his four legged friend “Boots” was constantly by his side.

Ken occupied his earlier years with motorcycling, camping, and snowmobiling.  Fishing, hunting and perfecting his beautiful yard were his hobbies in his later years.

He is survived by:
Wife of 43 years, Donna, Surrey; children, Jeanna Grilley, Minot, Gail (Monte) Lundy and their son Tyler, Minot, and Jesse (Melissa) Grilley, Minot; brother, Paul (Fran) Grilley, Deering; sisters, Linda (Myron) Smette, Granville, ND, and Diane Grilley, Deering; sisters-in-law, Annella Miller, Deering, Delila (Raymond) Miller, Oneida, TN, and Debbie (Gary) Stratton, Deering; brother-in-law, Doug (Charlotte) Smette, Makoti, ND; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Hollis and Lorraine, mother and father-in-law, Oscar and Leatha Smette, brother-in-law, Raymond A. Miller, and nephew, Keith Smette.

Visitation: Sunday, August 1, 2010, from noon until 5 pm at Thompson Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Funeral Service: Monday, August 2, 2010 at 2 pm at the Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey, ND

Burial:  Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot

Officiant: Rev. Jonathan Starks, Pastor Calvary Presbyterian Church, Ryder, ND

Music
Opening hymn “Here I Am Lord”
Special music offered by: Karin Haas, Lisa Jundt
“Wind Beneath My Wings”
Pastor Josh Huseby to offer: “Go Rest High On That Mountain”
Closing Hymn “The Church In The Wildwood”
Dianne Hysjulien, organist

Honorary Bearers: Kenneth’s family and friends

Active Bearers: Jeff Smette, John Smette, Jason Smette, Jacob Grilley, Robby Smette, Kevin Stratton, Jerry Miller

Immediately following the graveside service there will be lunch and fellowship in at Surrey Senior Citizens Center. Those not attending the committal service may begin the luncheon. The family will join you upon the conclusion of the service.

The Grilley family would like to thank everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. May God bless the memory of Kenneth.

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