Harold William Grabitske

Harold Grabitske, Jr, 85, of Red Wing, died Friday, November 23, 2018 at the Lake City Care Center. He was born April 13, 1933 and was raised in St. Charles, MN, where he graduated high school in 1951. After high school, he studied art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design before enlisting in the army in 1953. Upon completing his service, he attended Winona State University, where he graduated in 1959. He held two teaching positions (Spring Grove High School 1959-1961 and Elgin High School 1962-1966) before settling in Red Wing in 1966, where he taught high school art and English until his retirement in 1993.
A wide-ranging hobbyist, Harold was an accomplished artist, jewelry maker, classical guitarist, pianist, luthier, model airplane enthusiast, and downhill skier, having been an active member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America for several years. He was also an amateur archaeologist with a particular interest in the Native American communities of Minnesota. Several of his archaeological finds are now in the collection of the Goodhue County Historical Society.
Harold is survived by his three children, Pamela (Chris) Perrine, Jodi (Jim) Elskamp, and Craig, four grandchildren, Marisa, Austin, William and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Sr., mother, Mable (Moore) Rogers, and wife of 46 years, Jo Ann (Buck).
In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. In his memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Goodhue County Historical Society. Arrangements with the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing.