Obituary of Cecil Edwin Henry Grimm

Cecil Edwin Henry Grimm, (83) passed away on Saturday, June 8th at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, IA, surrounded by his family. Cecil was born on September 12th, 1940 in Unionville, Missouri to Clarence and Leola (Davidson) Grimm. Cecil graduated from Unionville High School in 1958. He served as an Airman in the United States Air Force stationed in Canada during the Vietnam War from 1962 to 1966. He was very proud of his time in the service. In 1967 Cecil moved to Newton and began working at the Maytag Corporation. December 5th, 1970, he married Judy Dittmer. To this union they had one daughter, Michele. Cecil and Judy later divorced, yet Cecil remained a devoted father.

   After 24.8 years of service, Cecil retired from the Maytag Corporation as a Dryer Assembly Foreman at the age of 51. Wanting to stay active, he took on a variety of jobs such as cutting grass for Westwood Golf Course, transporting new RV's from the factory to dealerships, and transporting inmates for the Jasper County Sheriff's Department. Cecil was an accomplished bowler and was honored with many awards. He also enjoyed many other activities including his three daily coffee clubs, golfing, hunting, watching John Wayne and other Westerns, riding motorcycles, and traveling. One of his favorite travel destinations was the Black Hills of South Dakota. 

   Cecil valued family and relationships and was a dear friend to many. If you were Cecil's friend, you were his friend for life. He was kind, patient, and always willing to lend a hand. He was known for his gentle spirit, always being early, and for making time for the things that mattered in life. 

   Cecil is survived by his daughter, Michele (Grimm) Heisdorffer and son-in-law, Rex. Grandchildren; McKenna Heisdorffer, Logan (Sierra) Heisdorffer, and Landon Heisdorffer of Newton, IA; his sister, Linda (Donnie) Klinginsmith of Unionville, MO; nieces, Nichole Klinginsmith of Eldon, MO and Amanda (Scott) Ramey of Centerville, IA; great nephew, Zachery Van Hooser of Fort Riley, KS and great niece Sheridan Klinginsmith of Centerville, IA. His best friend and partner of 41 years, Sharon Wilson and her children, whom he loved as his own; Eddie (Tracy) Wilson, Jody Wilson, and grandchildren; Marcus Amerison and Mitchell Wilson of Newton, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents.

   Visitation and funeral services will be held at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, IA. The visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13th from 5-7pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 14th at 10:30am followed by Military Funeral Honors at Union Cemetery. He will be escorted by the American Legion Riders, of which Cecil was a proud member. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to "The American Legion Riders" of Newton.

Online condolences may be left for the family at:   www.pencefh.com.