Frederick Louis Gruchalla
Obituary

Fred Gruchalla, 79, of Granada Hills died August 23, 2025 in Los Angeles.

He was born July 11, 1946 in Fargo ND to Louis and Mary (Hackett) Gruchalla. Fred was raised in Moorhead, MN, attending schools there and graduating in 1964. After graduation Fred lived in San Diego a short time until his Army service in Vietnam. After the Army, Fred moved to the Los Angeles area where he remained the rest of his life.

Fred was a jack of all trades. He jumped into anything new that interested him with both feet, whether a career or a hobby. His careers encompassed sales, photography, dance instructions, and a street rod shop. His hobbies included photography, golf, singing, learning to play drums and guitar, collecting classic cars,and being MC/announcer at many events. He competed in Country Western dance, winning awards up to the national level.

Fred was proud to be a Veteran. He was active in the VFW and was instrumental in the creation of a Veteran's Memorial Wall at the Eternal Valley Cemetery in Newhall, CA. He was also active in the Elks club.

Fred was from a large family, the oldest of 10 children. He also had a very large group of friends that became family to him. He is already missed by many.

Fred is survived by siblings Richard (Carrin) of Duluth MN, Mike (Pam) of Mapleton ND, Virginia Hilkemeier of Prescott AZ, Charlie of Walcott ND, Gordy (Sue) of Sabin MN, Paul of Fargo ND, Joel (Donna) of Fargo, Kurt (Lavonne) of  Monroe WA,  brother-in-law Jerry Murphy of Billings MT, and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents, and his sister MaryLou Murphy.

Inurnment will be at Eternal Valley Cemetery,  Newhall CA at a later date along with a Celebration of Life at an as of yet undetermined location . There will be a family Celebration in MN at a later date.

Memorials are preferred to a Veteran's Organization of your choice , or a pet rescue center.