Robert R.

"Bob/Ponch" Grunden, Jr.

Robert R. "Bob/Ponch" Grunden, Jr., age 75, passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, IN.

Bob was born on November 24, 1949 to the late Robert R. and Betty L. (Casper) Grunden. Bob served his country in the United States Army. He worked at GM Powertrain in Defiance for 36 years as a team leader until his retirement in 2008. Ponch was a member of the UAW Local 211 in Defiance and the Paulding V.F.W. Post 587. Bob was a devoted member of Woodburn Missionary Church, where he served as a greeter for 25 years. He was a sports card, memorabilia, and antiques dealer at flea markets. He also coached and umpired girls softball. Ponch loved John Wayne. He was a loyal Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan.

Bob will be lovingly missed by his sons: Matthew Grunden, Portland, TN; Jeremiah (Julie) Grunden, Fishers, IN; sisters: Betty Andrews, Oakwood, OH; Darlene (Dan) Knapp, Latty, OH; Deborah Dougal, Paulding, OH: Kathy Habern, Latty, OH; two grandchildren: Jackson and Desmond Grunden.

Along with his parents, Ponch was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Shaffer.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Den Herder Funeral Home with Pastor Rich Troyer officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance, OH with military rites accorded by the Paulding V.F.W. Post 587.

Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.