David Grune, age 85, of Tampa, FL, formerly of Western Springs, IL. Beloved husband of the late Constance A. Grune for a wonderful 57 years. Loving father of Susan (Scott) Meister. Devoted grandfather of Katelyn, Allison and Kelsie Meister. Fond uncle of Billy Wachs, Cathy Wachs-Creger, Russ Hensley, Randy Hensley, and Erika Grune Welderink and friend of many. David is survived by his sister, Diana Grune Hensley. David was preceded in death by his parents, David and Eleanor Grune & brothers, Richard and Bob Grune.

David lived in Western Springs most of his life and loved everything about Chicago, especially deep dish pizza from Lou Malnatis, Chicago Bulls basketball games and White Castle hamburgers. He relocated to Florida upon retirement from Frito Lay after spending over 25 years as a successful Route Salesman. David loved to travel with his family and experienced fun adventures in Hawaii, Tahiti, Greece, Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean Islands with his wife and daughter.

David and his wife Connie adopted their daughter Susan as an infant in 1969. According to Susan, she feels incredibly blessed to have had such amazing parents play an active role in her life for over 50 years. She is so grateful for her parents’ unconditional love and support and always looked up to both of them as her role models.

David was married to Connie, the love of his life, for 57 years and was a devoted, loving, unselfish husband. He traveled to at least 25 states and many countries with his wife throughout their lifetime and loved going on vacations that included train trips. He especially enjoyed the scenic train rides he experienced in Colorado, New Mexico, Canada, Switzerland, Italy and Alaska.

David was a devoted, dedicated grandfather and his grandchildren lovingly referred to him as “Papa”. He was at the hospital the day each of his three grandchildren were born to welcome them into the world with love and excitement. He loved taking his grandchildren to Disney World and the theme park became his second home for almost 10 years. In his memory and name, a Make a Wish Foundation endowment has been established which will enable one trip to Disney to be granted each year in perpetuity to a child suffering from an illness and his/her family. David’s legacy will live on as others will be able to experience the “Most Magical Place on Earth” for a very long time!

David will be greatly missed by all of his loved ones but they find comfort in the fact that he is now free of all pain and reunited with his family members in God’s Kingdom. A family reunion was definitely celebrated in Heaven when he left this world to transition to eternal life in the presence of our Savior.

Visitation 8:30 AM until time of chapel prayers 10:30 AM Saturday, March 6th at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL. Group limit of 50 guests in the chapel. Masks and social distancing required. Procession to follow to 11:00 AM Mass at St. John of the Cross Church, Western Springs. All guests must pre-register for Mass at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0948a8af28abf58-david. Unregistered guests will not be permitted into church. Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings/live.

Interment to follow at Lithuanian National Cemetery, Justice.

For further service information, call Hallowell & James at 708-352-6500.