Beloved East Grand Forks Resident William Grassel Passes Away at 90

William “Bill” Roger Grassel, aged 90, passed away on August 4, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Senior Living facility in Larimore, North Dakota. His family and friends remember him as a dedicated husband, father, and community member in East Grand Forks, Minnesota.

Born on December 15, 1934, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Bill was the son of Leo and Ovida (Johnson) Grassel. He spent his childhood in East Grand Forks, where he attended local schools. In 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army, later joining the Army Reserve in 1959.

On March 4, 1960, Bill married Shirley Mathues in East Grand Forks, marking the beginning of a long partnership. Bill enjoyed a successful career in the construction industry, working for several companies, including Red River Cement, Strata, and Hebron Brick in Grand Forks. He retired in the early 2000s.

Bill’s legacy continues through his wife, Shirley, and their two children, Scott (Patrick Steele) Grassel of Moses Lake, Washington, and Tammie Grassel of Apple Valley, Minnesota. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Matthew and Dylan Henning, and one great-grandchild, Isla Henning.

His brother, Robert “Butch” Grassel, resides in Camdenton, Missouri. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings, including Leo Grassel, Jim Grassel, Shirley O’Leary, Carol Knoblich, LaVern Foy, and Mary Lou Velaski.

Memorial Arrangements

Memorial services for Bill Grassel are currently pending. Following these services, he will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks.

For those wishing to pay their respects or share memories, an online guestbook is available at www.dandahlfuneralhome.com. The arrangements have been entrusted to Dahl Funeral Home in East Grand Forks.

Bill Grassel’s impact on his community and family will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.