James Edward Grassel, 87, of Sturgeon Bay, died at Door County Medical Center on April 5, 2021. He was born October 14, 1933, in Door County to Edward and Evelyn (Gordon) Grassel. After graduating from Sturgeon Bay High School, Jim served his country in the U.S. Navy. On August 13, 1955, he married Bernadette A. DeClark in Brussels. She preceded him in death on April 6, 2004.
For 25 years, Jim owned and operated BayPrint, a commercial printing business in Sturgeon Bay. During his career, he was active in numerous business organizations including the Sturgeon Bay Manufacturers Association and the Door County Economic Development Corporation. In his younger years, he was a member and past president of the Sturgeon Bay Jaycees. Jim was also a long-time member of Corpus Christi Church Jim enjoyed hunting, snowmobiling, bowling, and playing cards, especially Sheepshead. He also enjoyed time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Terry (Gary) Swiggum, Sturgeon Bay; 2 grandchildren, Derek (Molley) Grassel, Colorado Springs, CO; and Lindsey Swiggum, Sturgeon Bay; brother, Gerald (Sally) Grassel, Sturgeon Bay; sister, Lois (John) Koehn, Sturgeon Bay; in-laws, Glen (Kay) Madoche, Sturgeon Bay, Sharon (Mike) Lemens, Forestville, Louis DeClark, Brussels, Leo (LaDeana) DeClark, Forestville; nieces, nephews and many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, parents-in-law, Louis and Clarice (Buzzo) DeClark; in-laws, Geraldine (Joe) LeFevre, Shirley DeClark, and Anne Grassel.
A public mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:30 am Friday, April 9, 2021 at Corpus Christi Church in Sturgeon Bay. Entombment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors. A visitation will be held on Friday from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at the church. Masks are required for all in attendance. In-lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to DoorCANcer. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfunealhome.com
Special thanks to Dr. Marc Binard and the staff at Door County Medical Center and the staff at Sturgeon Bay Health Services for their wonderful care and support.
