Otto Martin "Junior" Gruendemann, 95, of Algoma, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully Wednesday February 4, 2026, into the arms of his loving Savior.
Otto was born January 18, 1931, in Manitowoc County the son of the late Rev. Otto and Bertha (Leitzke) Gruendemann. Junior graduated from Algoma High School in 1949 before enlisting and proudly serving in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman during Korea. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Bailey Technical School in St. Louis, MO, graduating as a diesel mechanic.
Junior would spend most of his career working for White Truck in Milwaukee and later Polk Diesel in Green Bay, returning weekends to Algoma to help his father on the farm.
Junior enjoyed his retirement traveling with friends and family including trips to Mexico and Central America. He enjoyed gardening and cutting wood and was known to visit a casino or two. Uncle Junior's kindness, generosity and sense of humor will be remembered by all.
He quietly remained faithful to his Christian upbringing throughout his life. He was a wonderful uncle who has a special place in the hearts of his many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his buddies at the Village Kitchen and his banker, Peggy, at the Casco bank.
Junior is survived by his sister, Lois Morgan; nieces and nephews, Meg Gruendemann, Sarah Stelter, Rachel Lehman, Paula Milner, Jim Emden, Becky Wampler, Sarah Ridderikhoff, Martha Soukup, Hannah Gruendemann, Leah Gruendemann, Roger Kirchman, Jerry Kirchman, Judy Krueger, Kathy Jacobsen, Lynn Biedermann, Thomas Meier, David Meier, Alberta Baird, Miriam Olsen, John Meier, and Gary Nordbye; and many dear great-nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were her parents; brothers, Daniel and Marcus; sisters, Ruth Emden, Naomi Kirchman, Bethel Hartzeim, Judith Meier; nieces and nephews, Danny Gruendemann, James Gruendemann, David Nordbye, Dawn Nordbye and Travis Kirchman.
Funeral services followed by military honors will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Schinderle Funeral Home, Algoma with Pastor Joel Sauer officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday at the funeral home from 9:00 - 1100 a.m. Junior will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Sycamore Lodge in Algoma and Unity Hospice for the wonderful care given to Junior.
Sign online guestbook, offer condolences and share memories at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com
