Born at home in a snowstorm, John Paul Grygelko entered this world the way he lived his life; with love and determination. John was born to Polish immigrants Anton and Rose Grygelko in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 8, 1927. He was lovingly referred to as “her prince” by his mother. Not only a prince, John would prove to be a king among men.
John enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Philippines. Upon his return, he married Barbara (Daheim). John took advantage of the G.I. Bill and became the first member of his family to attend college. He graduated with a teaching degree from the U of MN and began his career as a physical education teacher and high school coach. John’s intense vibrancy for life manifested itself in his endeavors in life, which included athletics, teaching, the outdoors, and family. He was a tremendous athlete at Roosevelt High School and walked on to the University of Minnesota’s football and wrestling team. He carried forward his passion for wrestling as a coach, becoming one of the most successful wrestling coaches in Minnesota history. He coached and taught at Robbinsdale High School for 25 years. After retiring from teaching, he continued his coaching career at Augsburg University, where he helped grow the Augsburg men’s wrestling team into a powerhouse program and developed the mindset “1% improvement everyday” in his wrestlers. John was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association David Bartelma Hall of Fame in 1973, and the Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. As impressive as his stats as a coach were, he was most proud of positively impacting the trajectory of everyone he coached and taught, regardless of their skill level or background. He would often check in on his former students and athletes, years after they had graduated, because he cared so much for their growth as a person.
From an early age, he developed a love of the outdoors that never waned. A true conservationist, John served on the board of the Bemidji chapter of Ducks Unlimited, volunteered with the DNR Fisheries Program, crafted hand-carved waterfowl decoys, and stewarded the land that he loved. He passed on his love of the outdoors to his family and friends, sharing much of his cherished time in his retirement with loved ones in deer stands and lakes across North America and much of Minnesota.
As much as he loved teaching, coaching, and the outdoors, his greatest passion in life was the love of his family. His gregarious attitude towards life was most palpable when he was with family. He always found ways to lift up and encourage his loved ones to live up to their full potential. He loved to brag about his grandchildren, often stating he was so proud of them that “his buttons might pop off his chest.” Every moment shared with family was special; he imparted cherished life lessons whenever and wherever he could, whether a person wanted them or not.
John is survived by his children Tom (Karen) Grygelko of Greenfield, Marilee (Brian) Grygelko of Altamont, New York, and Jeanne (Karl) Lovgren of Seal Beach, California, his adoring grandchildren Matt (Sarah) Lovgren, Kristen (Tom) Snyder, John (Jennifer) Grygelko, Jake (Brittany) Grygelko, Joe (Kelsie) Grygelko, Annie (Chad) Wells of Huntington Beach, California, and his ten beautiful great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Rose Grygelko, wife Barbara (Daheim) Grygelko, son Peter Grygelko, brother Stan Grygelko, sisters Barbara (Erwin) Utech, and Dorothy (John) Fernandez.
His legacy is an extraordinary one. John Grygelko will continue to influence generations to come through the wisdom he imparted to the many who loved him.
Celebration of life services and memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Corcoran. His celebration will continue with a pig roast in the church’s fellowship hall following Mass.
Please contact john.g.memorial@gmail.com to be informed of details or questions.
In lieu of memorials, donations to your local youth wrestling chapter are preferred.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Saddened by the news of John’s passing. I served with John on the DU committee for several years and observed the effect that his infectious passion had on all those around him.
Mr G had a way of inspiring every wrestler that they could achieve more than they ever thought possible. This attitude transferred out of the wrestling room and into our everyday lives. To make it through a season of practices one knew you had accomplished an impressive feat. When other teams scrimmaged in our room and couldn’t cut it, we felt a sense of pride. We knew we were special Mr G had sayings that helped define our wrestlers. One was ” you can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear”. But that wasn’t true. Robbinsdale wrestlers were not born they were created by Mr G. Yes he had some very gifted athletes. But it was us “sows ears” that he turned into exceptional wrestlers that put him above most if not all of his peers! Rob Swart class of 1972 and of the 1972 undefeated Lake Conference Championship team.
Greatest Wrestling Coach I ever had! A real father-like figure who cared about you well beyond your wrestling skills on the mat. He will be missed by all who knew him and had the great pleasure of working/knowing him. God Bless the John Grygelko Family at this sad time. Respectfully and Most Sincerely, Scot Davis
An amazing legacy. One tough patriot, hero.