Donald Carl Grundhauser II

Donald “Donny” Grundhauser, affectionately known by his co-workers as “Grundy”, age 55, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away September 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer. A devoted husband, proud father, loyal son, beloved brother, and deeply respected police sergeant, Donny’s life was one of selfless service, unwavering love, and quiet strength.

• Donny is survived by his wife of just shy of 29 years, Kelly, and their twin sons, Nicholas and Jacob, who were the pride and joy of his life. He was immensely proud of both, each choosing a life of service in the city he loved. He also leaves behind his father, Don Sr.; sister Pam; brothers Mark and Keith (Megan); brother-in-law Kevin Kuder (Chris); nieces Aubrey, Amber, and Kinley; nephew Everett, and many extended family members, co-workers, neighbors, and close friends whom he deeply cherished.
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He was preceded in death by his mother, Joanne Grundhauser; in-laws, Kathy and Al Kuder; sister-in-law, Chelsie Grundhauser, and many beloved family pets, all of whom he deeply loved and missed.

Donny grew up off Rice Street in Saint Paul and attended Saint Bernard’s School, Lakewood Community College, Saint Cloud State University, and Alexandria Technical College. He earned an Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement from Lakewood Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saint Cloud State University.

In 1994, Donny joined the Saint Paul Police Department after a brief stint at the Airport Police Department as a Community Service Officer (CSO). One thing Donny was most proud of in his career was that he was able to serve the area where he was born and raised, and where his father (Don Sr.) still resides today. Rice Street was home to him, and it was more than a job. It was a calling.

After graduating from the Saint Paul Police Academy, he worked in the Central and Eastern Districts before being promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2006. Over the years, he served in a wide range of roles such as SWAT (which brought him to serve in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina), FORCE unit, Homicide unit, the Gang and Gun unit, ATF Federal Task Force, ACOP, East Investigations as an Acting Commander and ultimately the Special Operations Unit, where he ended his distinguished career and planned large scale events across the city.

Throughout his nearly 30-year career, Donny was recognized for his outstanding contributions. He received three Unit Citations, three Medals of Commendation, two Unit Letters of Recognition, five individual Letters of Recognition, and countless thank-you letters from colleagues and community members.

As Donny often said, “It doesn’t cost anything to be nice to someone.” It was a principle he lived by every day, both in and out of uniform. From helping neighbors to strangers, family, and friends if he could help, he was there if he didn’t know how he would try and figure it out that is Simply the man he was.

Donny met Kelly in 1994, and from their very first road trip together, they were hooked on them. They married in 1996, had their sons in 1999, and spent the next two decades, on remodeling projects, yard projects which he secretly loved, time at his family cabin, countless trips to the state fair, and adventuring across the country as a family. For many summers, the four of them packed up and hit the road in their Minivan. They explored many states, backroads, and small towns.

Together, they visited nearly every state, leaving New Mexico as the last one to visit as a family. Finishing those travels became part of Donny’s bucket list, one that the family now plans to complete in his honor.

Donny has two amazing sons. He was so incredibly proud of both of them and the men they have become as they both decided to dedicate their life to service, both working in the same city he did in different capacities. His heart hurt most, on the time he would not get to spend with them and all the milestones he would miss.

Despite the aggressive cancer that took so much from him, Donny remained committed to living fully. He fought hard through countless treatments, experimental clinical trials, and painful setbacks. Kelly was by his side, advocating for him every step of the way. Even in the most challenging moments, he remained full of love. He never stopped being Donny. Strong, humble, and full of heart.

Donny’s legacy lives on in his family, in the officers he mentored, in the friends who stood by him, and in every person who was lucky enough to know him. His courage, loyalty, and love will never be forgotten.

Donny and his family were appreciative of those who cared for him during his treatment: Dr. Larson, Dr. Turner, Nurse Marian, and every single infusion nurse at Regions Hospital for their diligent care. They all became like family to Donny during his treatment. Donny and his family were incredibly grateful for the kindness and patience of his care team after thousands of questions and the way they tried to uplift Donny and the family at every appointment even when they knew the news wasn’t good.

Our Lady of Peace Residential Hospice, where his wife; Kelly, and his children, Nicholas and Jacob, were able to stand by him in his final hours, was incredible to Donny as he made his transition from here to heaven.

• Schedule of Services:
  • Visitation will be held on 9.22.25 from 2 PM to 7 PM at The Madison in Cottage Grove at 7310 Lamar Ave So. All attendees should come ready with stories about Donny. Prior to his passing, Donny requested an open mic so stories could be recorded for the grandchildren he will never meet. A videographer will also be present for those who prefer to share memories privately. All who knew and loved Donny are welcome to attend.
  • Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Saint Bernard’s Church, 187 Geranium Avenue W. in Saint Paul 9.23.25 at 11 am. Visitation one hour preceding. The procession will leave from Saint Bernard’s and continue to Guardian Angels Church Cemetery in Woodbury, where Donny will be laid to rest. A luncheon will follow.
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• In lieu of flowers, plants or memorial trees, the family plans for memorials to go toward honoring Donny’s life and helping to create something lasting in his name. But most importantly, we ask that everyone who loved Donny carry his spirit forward: go out today and do something kind for someone else. Do it with intention and let Donny’s love guide you.
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LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page and click the blue “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.