Jeffrey Grun

My Life Story Jeffrey, our loving Son, Brother, and Uncle peacefully passed away on November 26, 2018 in Meridian, Idaho. Jeffrey was 38 years old and his body and spirit eventually succumbed to a life long battle with Type 1 diabetes. Jeffrey was born in Aberdeen, Washington on September 28, 1980. As a young man, Jeffrey was very involved with youth sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. At the age of twelve, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, which was to become his biggest opponent in life. Jeff graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1999. He went on to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Washington State University in 2004. During his years at WSU Jeff was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. After his graduation, Jeffrey was employed by numerous financial institutions in Washington and Idaho, eventually finishing his banking career in Boise, Idaho. During his summers, Jeff assisted his family in his mother’s fishing business in Sitka. There he met the only love of his life, Norma Jean Johnson. Norma was a native Sitkan. Norma and Jeff shared great love of each other, and of life. Jeffrey and Norma moved to Meridian, Idaho in 2010, where they continued to prosper. Norma unexpectedly passed away in 2015. From that sad time Jeffrey faced continued struggles. He was involved in two seizure-related single-car accidents that left him broken. Jeff bravely continued on with these struggles through the end of his short life. However, in these tough times, Jeff had many family and friends to ease these struggles. Jeffrey had the best care and love in the world with his mother’s Meridian residence. Jeff was a gentle, kind soul and his presence in our lives will never be forgotten. Jeffrey is survived by his mother, LaVonne “Vonnie” Grun, and her husband, David McGonigal of Sitka, Alaska and Meridian, Idaho; father, Gregory Grun, and his wife, Ann Grun of Hoquiam, Washington; sister, Christine Grun McGraw of Sitka, AK; brother, David Grun and his wife, Joelle of Tumwater, WA; brother, Tim Grun of Upland, CA; two nieces and one nephew: Cadance McGraw, Colton McGraw, and baby, Chayse Grun; and most loving grandmother, Eileen Schmidt of St. John, Washington, where Jeff spent many years visiting. Jeff left on his mother’s side his uncle, Gene Schmidt and his wife, Wendy of Farmington, NM and their children: Tony and his wife, Megan and their baby, Rosemary and Kris (Jeffrey’s true best friend); uncle Mathew Simek of Gig Harbor, WA and his daughters: Sarah and her husband, John Fitzpatrick of Los Angelas, CA and Erica and her husband, Ben Sloniker of Moscow, ID, and Jennifer and her husband, David Hunt and baby Oliver of Seattle, WA; aun,t Joanne and her husband, Jerry Hartman of Issaquah, WA and their children: Andrew, Seth, and Nyan; aunt, Arlene Schmidt of Middleton, ID and cousin, Ariana Schmidt of Nampa, ID. Left on his father’s side, uncles: Brian and Vicki Grun of Hoquiam, WA and their daughter, Jessica Grun and Bruce and Debbie Grun of Aberdeen, WA and their children: Chelsea and Kenny; and step-sister, Karinna Jones Ianello and her husband, Michael and their daughter, Penelope. Preceding Jeff in death was his maternal grandfather, Elmer Schmidt; aunt, Sandra Schmidt; aunt, Theresa Schmidt Simek; uncle, Bill Schmidt; and cousin, Mark Simek. Preceding in death on his father’s side, grandparents, Kenneth and Barbara Grun; and great grandparents, Elmer and Olga Haaseth, who simply loved Jeffrey. On the final weekend of Jeff’s life, he travelled to Pullman, Washington in a motor home with his family to get to see his beloved W.S.U. Cougs play in one more “Apple Cup”. During this time, Jeffrey had a wonderful, unforgettable time with his Grandmother, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Nieces. He got to spend one more fun filled weekend with his best buddy and Cousin Kris. Jeffrey peacefully passed shortly after his return to Idaho. As Jeffery will always say, “Go Cougs!” There will be a graveside service at 1:30 PM on December 10th 2018 at the Hoquiam, WA Cemetery. A luncheon to follow, the location is to be announced later. Remembrances may be left on Jeff’s webpage at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and Cremation, 208-888-5833.