John Grampovnik
Deputy John L. Grampovnik, 51, of Waukon died Thursday, January 27, 2022 at University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at Iron Ridge Church in Waukon. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 2 at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.
If you have a story to share about John, please write something down and bring it to the visitation or funeral as there will be a special area to place your memories. The family respectfully requests everyone please wear a mask.
John Lawrence Grampovnik was born May 24, 1970 in Waukon, the son of John “Jack” and Judy (Harty) Grampovnik. John graduated from Kee High School in Lansing in May of 1988 and attended Hawkeye Technical College to pursue a degree in police science. After graduating from college, John was hired by the Waukon Police Department in 1993 and served with the department for four years. He was then hired by the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office in May of 1997, where he remained until his end of watch January 27, 2022. He loved being a deputy and serving the people of Allamakee County.
John married Anne Duffy June 29, 1995 in Lansing. Together they raised a beautiful daughter, Alexz, who was his whole world.
He was affectionately known as “Cop-er John” or “Johnny Cop” by the little people in his life, and would be described as a man of integrity, eternally loyal to family and friends, and one to never give up on people. Although his time with us was short, he taught us how to laugh, have fun, love hard, and that some stories (if not all) need to be embellished. If anyone asked how he and Anne met, you know what we’re talking about. He knew his purpose in life was to serve others without hesitation. John touched so many lives on this earth, and what an impact he made.
John liked to spend his free time going to the river, fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and going on car rides. Some of his best days were sharing his love of the Mississippi on his boat filled with family and friends. He loved the Chicago Bears and was able to go to his first Bears game this past fall.
John thrived when he was socializing with family and friends and having a good laugh. He loved to question the younger generation, “Is there something you need to tell me?” with a knowing grin and then respond, “Oh, I didn’t know anything about that,” after you told him all your secrets.
He loved all kids and cared for his nieces and nephews as his own. They loved him and created many lifelong memories together. He leaves a big hole in their hearts (as one said, “It will never be the same without him”).
John is survived by his wife of 26 years, Anne, of Waukon; his daughter, Alexz, and her boyfriend, Adam Hansen; his father, Jack, of Lansing; his siblings: Jennifer (Jim) Gregerson of West Salem, WI, Jessica (Will) Little of Lansing and Jill (Jacob) Foellmi of Brownsville, MN; his sisters-in-law: Pat (Jay) Colsch of Waverly, Beth (Tony) Minutillo of Crystal Lake, IL and Mick (Brian) Herman of Waukon; his nieces and nephews: Lauren and Ethan Gregerson, Emily Pospichal, Wyatt, Clayton and Brooke Little, Alexis Foellmi, Reg Duvel, Sara Olsen, Christen Duvel, Nicholas Colsch, Leah Theilacker, Lucas, Brandon, Delaney and Jillian Minutillo, Breanne Bernau, Trevor Herman and Alexa Dixon; and his great-nieces and great-nephews: Liam and Sawyer Pospichal, Thomas Duvel, Drew Olsen, Aiden and Gabe Hughes, Brody, Jack, Gavin and Joslyn Bernau, and Brynn Herman. John was preceded in death by his mother, Judy, and his father- and mother in-law, Howard and Ida Duffy.
Honorary casketbearers are the Allamakee County Sheriff’s Deputies and other law enforcement. Casketbearers are Conrad Rosendahl, Barry Olson, Tim Darling, Brian Herman, John Schwartzhoff, Tim Smedsrud, Steve Garrett, and Trevor Herman.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
