John Richard "Dick" Grassel

John Richard "Dick" Grassel age 84, of Park Falls, passed away on Friday January 26th, at MMC of Marshfield. John was born on April 3, l933, to John and Barbara (Hilgart) Grassel. He spent his early years growing up in Fifield. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for the next 21 years, until he retired in April of 1971. While serving his country he fought in Korea where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He also served two tours in Vietnam where he was wounded twice and received two Purple Hearts. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star and numerous other medals and commendations, along with being a member of the Golden Dragons. Dick was an Airborne Instructor for many years and served as such on the movie set of "The Green Berets" filmed at Fort Benning, Georgia. After retirement from the military Dick started his trucking career in Georgia, which he continued after moving back to Fifield. He drove for various trucking companies until he became owner-operator of his own trucks traveling all over the United States, sometimes with his son, Steve, or his wife, Marge. Dick performed most of the maintenance work on his trucks, and also painted them. While in Georgia he built and maintained stock cars and motorcycles for racing teams. Dick was an accomplished carpenter and could fix or build almost anything. Dick is survived by his wife, Margaret Golomb; sons, Richard (Terry) Grassel of Eufaula, AL, Steven Grassel of Columbus, GA, daughters, Linda (Stephen) Hyles of Columbus, GA, Barbara (Randy) Griswold of Phenix City, AL, Trista Golomb of Park Falls, his "special girl" Justis Drott of Park Falls, a step-daughter, Vicki Hirtreiter of Park Falls, and his sister, Ann "Terri" Ostrander of Park Falls. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 3 nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Louise "Sis" Grassel, his brother, Alwin "Sonny" Grassel, and two infant grandsons. This soldier has fought his last battle, his years of service are over, and he has gone home to rest in the arms of his Savior. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Park Falls, with the visitation at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.

John Richard "Dick" Grassel

April 3, 1933 - January 26, 2018