Mike Grundman

Celebrating the Life of Michael Grundman

October 5, 1949 – August 3, 2026

CORNING, IA — Michael Grundman, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, community leader, and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of August 3, 2026, to be with his Lord. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an indelible mark on the community of Corning, which he proudly called home for most of his life.

Early Life and Education

Born in Grand Island, Nebraska on October 5, 1949, Mike spent his early childhood years living on a farm near Prescott in Adams County, Iowa, later moving to Cairo, Nebraska. In 1960, his family settled permanently in Corning, where Mike grew up, built lifelong friendships and excelled in sports, playing football and running track. Blessed with a smooth tenor voice, he sang in numerous high-school music groups, and had a passion for performance that would follow him into adulthood through many community productions.

After graduating from Corning High School in 1967, Mike attended the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Becky Dillon of Burlington, Iowa. The two found an immediate connection, discovering among other things that both of their fathers were proud World War II veterans. They married and welcomed their first son, Aaron, in 1969. While working odd jobs, including selling cars, Mike completed his degree at UNI in 1973.

A Life of Service, Business, and Community Impact

The young family relocated to Griswold, Iowa, where Mike spent five years teaching business classes at the local high school. During this time, their second son, Adam, was born in 1974.

In 1978, the pull of family and home brought them back to Corning. Mike joined his father in the insurance business, embarking on a distinguished 38-year career. He operated Adams Mutual Insurance and Grundman Insurance, and became deeply active with Grinnell Mutual. The agency was truly a family affair, with his children and family members pitching in over the decades, even taking turns cleaning the office. He eventually retired, proudly passing the reins of the family business to his son, Adam.

Mike’s dedication to Corning went far beyond his professional life; he was fiercely committed to making things better, whether it was his home, a local business, or his beloved town. For more than fifteen years, he served as a volunteer firefighter. His vision and leadership shaped the growth of the region through his active service in the Rotary Club, Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, the local hospital board, and the Adams Community Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC). He championed pivotal local projects, including the industrial park, a housing subdivision, Corning Opera House, and the Widener project, among others. In recognition of his tireless efforts, he was honored to accept Corning’s Main Street Iowa Award presented by Governor Terry Branstad and was named Rotarian of the Year in 2022.

Faith, Family, and Community

Faith and music were central to Mike’s life. He sang in the choir and served on many committees at the United Methodist Church, while Becky played in the bell choir there.

Raising a family in Corning during the 1980s was filled with endless sports, backyard basketball, ping-pong tournaments, and summer days spent at the Corning pool. In an era before cell phones, Mike had a legendary, signature tool to call his sons home: a sharp, two-fingered whistle that pierced through the Corning air and could be heard from blocks away.

As his family grew, Mike transitioned seamlessly into his favorite role: "Papa." He loved traveling across Southwest Iowa and to Wisconsin to cheer on his sons and grandsons at their various sporting events. He took immense pride in watching both of his sons follow in his collegiate footsteps by graduating from UNI.

Mike lived life with an open heart and an infectious sense of humor. He loved to tease, tell jokes, and spin stories for anyone who would listen. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life; playing in local golf and volleyball leagues, joining his twice daily coffee group to swap news, and spending time with Becky at their condo in Branson, where he loved sending text messages to his sons while relaxing on the deck with a Swisher Sweet. He was also highly specific about his culinary preferences, famously requesting that his French fries, hash browns and bacon be served "extra crispy."

A Spirit of Adventure

Alongside Becky, Mike possessed a deep curiosity about the world. He loved encountering new people and exploring new places. Over the years, they chaperoned high school Spanish class trips, went on scenic cruises along the Rhine River and through Alaska, and made numerous trips to Colorado and their condo in Branson. Their travels also took them across the globe to visit family, including a trip to China to visit Aaron, his wife, Gloria, and their children while they lived in Shanghai. They traveled to Thailand for Adam and Lek’s wedding as well as a beautiful 2-week journey to Ireland with Aaron and Gloria. Mike also loved the annual golf trips he and his buddies used to make to Bella Vista, Arkansas, over many years.

Survivors and Legacy

Mike is survived by his beloved wife of over 57 years, Becky Grundman; his devoted children, Aaron (Gloria) Grundman of Hartland, WI, and Adam (Lek) Grundman of Corning, IA; his cherished grandchildren, Dillon (Maggie), Alec, Isaac, and Owen Grundman; his great-grandson, Josiah Grundman; his brothers and sisters, Debra (Jim) Blume, LeAnn (Phil) Morris, Mark (Donna) Grundman, and Matt Grundman. He also enjoyed his large, loving network of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Enid Grundman, his parents-in-law, Richard and Arlene Dillon, and sister-in-law, Bonnie Mohler. 

His warm smile, generous spirit, and numerous contributions to his hometown of Corning is appreciated by many and will never be forgotten.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the Corning United Methodist Church, with Pastor Pierre Omadjela and Rev. Pete Brantner officiating. A private inurnment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, Corning, Iowa. Visitation will be 3:00 – 7:00 PM, with family receiving friends 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday, August 7, 2026 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Corning. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to ACEDC Fund Inc., Adams Community Foundation, or the Corning United Methodist Church. Memories and condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.