BYRON GUSTAF STANLEY GRONLUND, JR., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on April 13.  Born in Chicago on June 26, 1922, "By" attended Hirsch High School-Class of 1940.  He worked at Inland Steel Company for 42 years.  Byron (Gus) was a very proud World War II veteran having served with the 33 ^rd Infantry Division (1942-1945) in the South Pacific and in the occupation of Japan.  He was preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of 64 years.  He was the proud father of 3 daughters:  Susie Mikaloff (Glenn) of Springboro, OH; Gail Ritter (Mike) of Portage, IN; Carol Retz (John) of Martinsville, IN,  13 grandchildren:  Kristin Bodkin (Josh), Karin Breitenstein (Carl), Elissa Hejduk (Frankie), Jason Mikaloff, Kyle Mikaloff (Amy), Kevin Mikaloff (Carrie), Kris Tyler (Brett), Ryan Ritter, Randi Cox (Tom), Jason Ritter, Adam Ritter (Laura), Josh Retz (Chelsea), Lauren Retz, and 21 great grandchildren:  Natalie, Keegan, Nesta, Coasten, Cali, Hendrix, Carson, Camden, Eli, Ethan, Deagan, Landon, Ryne, Josh, Alex, Ava, Aiden, Sylvia, Emmeline, Araya and a baby girl due in June. Byron also leaves nieces and nephews Carl (Peggy) Johnson, Grace (Tony) Gilmore, Joan Kamin, Mark Fossum, and Neil (Cindy) Fossum.  Also preceded in death by parents Dr. "Stanley" and Olga, twin sister June, and sisters Grace and Dorothy.  During his lifetime By sang in the church choir for 80 years.  He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, Trollhaugen Sons of Norway Lodge, and Inland Steel 25 Year Club.  He was known affectionately to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as "Grandpa Gum".  Visitation will be held Friday, April 20, 2018 at Augustana Lutheran Church, 207 Kelly Street, Hobart, IN 46342 from 9:30-11 am followed by the service at 11.  The burial will be at Angelcrest Cemetery in Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Augustana Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .