Cecelia Grunewaldt

Cecelia Ann Grunewaldt, 62, of Sioux Falls, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Faulkton with Father Joji Itukulapati officiating. A wake service began at 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2014 at the church. Inurnment will follow at a later date.

Cecelia was born on October 28, 1951 to Lawrence and Dorothy (Wieseler) Grunewaldt. She was raised in the Orient Hills on the Cold Spring Ranch. Her first years of education were at the Palmer Country School and Orient Grade School. Cecelia graduated from Faulkton High School and received her first degree from Nettleton College. She began working at Terrace Park Dairy in Sioux Falls and then moved to Pierre to eventually head the Securities Division, but with the lack of a law degree holding her back, she went back to school. Cecelia achieved her undergrad and law degree from the University of South Dakota.

After earning her degrees in record time, Cecelia clerked for Judge Peder Ecker with bankruptcy court in Sioux Falls. On the completion of her clerkship, she worked in a law firm and eventually opened her own practice, specializing in business and bankruptcy law.

In 2003, she changed her career path and became the President of First Century Federal Credit Union in Sioux Falls. Cecelia was still actively involved in the day to day operations of the credit union at the time of her death.

On September 8, 1990 Cecelia was united in marriage to the love of her life, John Murphy. Cecelia and John were both career driven, but they enjoyed going to Arizona for a couple of baseball spring training games. Before John’s death in 2003, they were avid Sioux Falls Canaries fans and known for their fantastic 4^th of July barbeques and fireworks shows. Cecelia enjoyed her flowerbeds, coy pond and was an avid reader. In her younger years she could be found reading late into the night, under the covers with a flash light. She truly enjoyed her Nook with the lite screen. Some of her time was spent with Goddaughter, Ashley, as they traveled and did many activities together.

Those left to treasure her memories are her parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Grunewaldt of Faulkton; three brothers: Paul (Jan) Grunewaldt of Sioux Falls, Ken Grunewaldt of Hayti and John (Nancy) Grunewaldt of Pierre; a sister, Joyce Grunewaldt of Eagle Butte; stepson, Tim (Dawn) Murphy of Tea, SD; stepdaughter, Catherine (Todd) Bird of Lawrence, KS and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her husband John; grandparents, Joseph and Susie Wieseler and August and Minnie Grunewaldt.

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Cecelia’s arrangements.