Michael, or Mike, as he became known in his adult years, attended Eagle Lake schools and graduated from Rice High School in 1972. On Oct.18, 1975, he and Melody Leigh Farris were married in the Colly Memorial Methodist Church in Eagle Lake. To this union two children were born, Lance and Lori.

Mike was always on the go while he played slowpitch softbal l, bowled, hunted and pursued his greatest passion – fishing. He was an involved father who coached Little League baseball and softball and attended countless Rice High School sporting events.

In the spring of his high school senior year Johnny Meitzen called Mike and offered him a job at his business, Johnny’s Sport Shop. Mike accepted the offer and 46 years later, retired from the Sport Shop after owning it for 29 of those years. His expertise as a salesman and his love of the outdoors led him to success as a businessman but more than anything led to hundreds of friendships that lasted until the end of his days.

Whi le boat ing and salt-water fishing were his favorite pastimes, nothing compared to the passion Mike felt for his family, especially his four grandchildren. He reveled in his grandsons’ success in baseball and called numerous friends whenever they earned recognition on the diamond. He also dutifully attended cheer competitions and loved to buy things for his granddaughters. Everyone in the family received multiple phone calls a week, if not per day, as he thought of random questions, dished out advice, or said he just needed to hear their voice.

The last 10 months of Mike’s life were a struggle as he fought to recover from a debilitating condition. He hated being housebound and worked hard to get back to ball games and fishing trips. Time ran out but his life ended as he wished - asleep in his recliner with his wife of 50 years, Mel, by his side.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, a niece, Lisa Valigura Hastings, and his special friend Pat Meitzen. He is survived by his children Lance (Carrie) Grigar, and Lori (Will) Chapman; his grandchildren Laila Chapman, Gunner Grigar, Caine Chapman and Halleigh Grigar; his sister Sheila (Allan) Valigura; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and his friend and mentor, Johnny Meitzen.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. The Knights of Columbus rosary will follow. Funeral services are at Henneke Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m. with interment after at Lakeside Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers are Wayne Bowen, Caine Chapman, Christian Cordova, Gunner Grigar, DJ Rouse, Stephen Sulak, Coleman Todd and Tanner Wishert.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Meitzen, Darrell Stancik, Bink Grimes, Cliff Webb, Jimmy Daniel, Tim Luedecke, Paul Drymalla, Michael Rucka, Mike Meitzen, Jeff Frnka, Vance Duncan and all the friends and guides who fished the Texas Gulf Coast with him.

Those wishing to make memorials may consider Rice Medical Center Building Fund – Michael Grigar Memorial, PO Box 277, Eagle Lake, TX 77434; Wintermann Library, 101 N. Walnut Ave., Eagle Lake, TX 77434; or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.