Melissa "Missy" Grimsgard

Melissa Kay (Latterell) Grimsgard, age 53, passed away on March 29, 2026, after a courageous fight with stage four colorectal cancer. She departed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family at her bedside. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. A visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Service in Litchfield and will continue one hour prior to the service at church.

Melissa was born May 22, 1972, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota, to LaVerne and Ramona (Otterness) Latterell, the youngest of five children. Melissa was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Kandiyohi, Minnesota. She attended Atwater-Grove City High School, graduating in 1990. She then attended Rasmussen Business College, graduating in 1992, and continued on at SCSU for accounting. Melissa married her high school sweetheart, Eric Grimsgard, on September 14, 1996, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, Minnesota. They spent their entire married life on their farm on Long Lake near Grove City, raising crops and building a family together.

A deeply loving and adventurous wife and mother, Melissa's fondest memories were of raising her two children, Anna and Anders. She worked alongside Eric on their farm, helping to plant and harvest each season. Later, she began working seasonally at Farm Credit Services in Litchfield, Minnesota, preparing taxes for fellow farmers. Melissa enjoyed many outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, and snowmobiling. She was fond of gardening and cooking with family and enjoyed traveling. She especially loved time spent with family at the lake cabin, being near the water, and watching sunsets.

Melissa is survived by her husband, Eric; her children, Anna (Michael) Trebil and Anders Grimsgard; her parents, LaVerne and Ramona Latterell; siblings, LeAnn Larson, Lori Martin, Lisa Boie, and Mark Latterell; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her parents-in-law, David and Cookie Grimsgard; brother-in-law, Darin (Brierly) Grimsgard; and two nieces.

In honor of Melissa's love of flowers, the family welcomes floral tributes. Memorial donations may also be made to HealthPartners Frauenshuh Cancer Center in Melissa's honor.

Melissa will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and deep devotion to her family. The family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace, at home with our Lord, free from pain and her long struggle.