Donald Paul Grisham

Don was born September 25th, 1949, in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Clarence E. and Genevieve (Pelz) Grisham, he was the youngest of their 4 boys. Don had a thirst for knowledge and was proud of the fact that he attended a one room schoolhouse for some of his elementary school years. He graduated from Merrill Senior High School, and went onto graduate from Michigan Tech with a BSBA degree in Accounting with Honors. He also attended Northern Michigan University pursuing Master’s in Public Administration. He entered the Army ROTC program while attending MTU and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in Finance Corps upon graduation in 1971. He served his boot camp duty at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was honorably discharged after nine years from the Army Reserve in 1979 with the rank of Captain. After graduation from Michigan Tech in 1971, he married, Mavis Schmidt, and moved to Marquette, Michigan, where they raised their three children. He was employed by Ernst and Ernst CPA’s initially and later became the Chief Accountant at Northern Michigan University. In 1977, he was hired as the Chief Financial Officer of Marquette General Hospital. During his 25 years at the hospital, he was involved in multiple bond issues, construction projects, hospital legislation and the expansion of hospital services. He was proud of the fact that the hospital financials were never in the red while he was CFO.

In 2003, Don married Kathy, where he found true love, and they enjoyed every day together, biking, boating, and many road trips throughout the United States.

In 2001, he switched to a self-employed career as a CPA and continued to provide services to his clients until his diagnosis in July 2022.

In 2010, he purchased NorthStar Employee Assistance Program. He expanded the business to 30 counselors in 12 locations throughout the UP, servicing 60 companies and thousands of employees and their dependents.

Don was a volunteer, fundraiser and board member of many organizations. These include the YMCA of Marquette County, the Beacon House, Relay for Life, Rotary Club and many others. It was his privilege to serve and he felt this to be a way to show gratitude for all the blessings he and his family have received.

While his children were growing up, he coached soccer and girl’s softball. For 25 years, he owned a camp on 16 Mile Lake where he spent countless hours fishing boating, water skiing, tubing, sitting around the campfire and saunas with family and friends. Don will always be remembered for his out going personality, caring and giving heart, friendly smile and his willingness to help anyone.

Don is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children, Kyle Grisham, Kimber (Bill) Schumann, Kaylie (Tom) Snow, and stepdaughter, Sarah Nadeau (Jon Ripperdan); he was the best Papa to his grandchildren, Eddie and Julia Grisham, Grady Schumann, Jack and Leona Snow; special friends, Amanda (Doug) Latvala and their two children, Myles and Mila, and Kendra Laupp (Miranda Miller), and long time friend, John Schmidt and many nieces, nephews and his very special canine companion, Abby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Genevieve Grisham, and his three brothers.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Messiah Lutheran Church on Tuesday, April 11th, beginning at 11:00 am, until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Molly Eversoll, pastor, will officiate. A reception will follow in Magnuson Hall. Casual attire encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter) 815 S. M553, Gwinn, MI 49841 or Cancer Care of Marquette County, P.O. Box 626, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.