Obituary of Walther L. Grunder

Walther "Walter" Lincoln Grunder of Glastonbury, CT passed away on May 22, 2023 at the age of 101. The elder son of the the late Albert and Hermine (Wiederkher) Grunder, Walther was born on Lincoln's birthday in Long Island, raised in Manchester, and graduated from Manchester High School (1939). During World War II, he was employed by Pratt and Whitney before he joined the Navy V5 "Hartford Hornets" Aviation Cadet Program and then, served in the Army Air Corp where he trained as a gunner and navigator. Assigned to a B17 crew, he was shipped to the 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron in Italy and served as "Lead Navigator".  He was awarded The Purple Heart following an injury he sustained on his 14th combat mission which ended Captain Grunder's military service.

While recovering state side, he met his future wife, Georgia Bowser, on a New Year's Eve blind date arranged by their friends.  The young couple married in 1947, resided briefly in Manchester moved to Wolcott and in 1963, settled in Glastonbury with their family.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut (1952), Walther worked as a machine designer for such companies as Harper Buffing Machine Co., Van Norman and Loctite.   He was devoted to his family, active in their church and community and enjoyed following political and current events, scientific advancements and his backyard birdfeeder.

 In retirement, he dedicated much of his time to helping veterans through various veterans' organizations.  From fundraising to honoring the fallen, he also served as Adjutant of DAV Chapter 17, Commander of DAV Chapter 17, and as Adjutant of American Legion Post 56. He was active in VFW Post 2046, the Army and Navy Club and Westover Retired Activities.  His wife and he shared many U.S. travels that included meetings of national veterans' organizations.

Among his family, he leaves his beloved wife of 75 years, Georgia Grunder; his daughter, Susan Morrissey and her husband, Peter of Unionville, CT; his grandchildren, Geoffrey Morrissey and his wife, Diana Zakem of N.Y., NY, Katherine Morrissey of Medford, MA, Devin Grunder and his wife, Reagan of Oklahoma City, OK, Patrick Morrissey of Sandy, UT; three great-granddaughters, and a dear niece, Patricia Miller of S. Windsor, CT.

Walther was predeceased by his son, Stephen Grunder; his brother, William Grunder; and a nephew, Gary Grunder.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 2183 Main St., Glastonbury, CT.  In lieu of flowers, Walther requested that donations be made to the veterans' organization of your choice.  

For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com