Reid W. Grundman

Reid William Grundman, 68, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023 surrounded by his sisters. His death was unexpected and his family and dear friends deeply mourn the loss of his bright light in their lives.

Born July 1, 1955 to Roger Grundman and Victoria (Kleve) Grundman, Reid grew up in Farmington, and later Hastings, MN. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1973. He was involved in music and theater, an interest that continued throughout his life.

After high school, Reid attended cosmetology school. He worked as a hairstylist in Minneapolis at the Red Carpet Beauty Salon where he formed many lifelong friendships.

Reid went on to work for Republic Airlines, and later Northwest/Delta Airlines. He was given the opportunity to travel the world through this work. He delighted in bringing friends and family along on international and domestic adventures.

Eventually this work brought him to the Tampa, Florida area, where he lived with his partner Ed Rao for more than 25 years. Their home became a warm weather retreat for family and friends escaping cold Minnesota winters.

It’s difficult to capture Reid’s bright light and convey what a magical soul he was in words. He was the life of the party and brought joy to those he spent time with. Reid could often be found studying cookbooks and scouring magazines for new recipes. He was a wonderful cook and spent lots of time in the kitchen preparing meals for loved ones. His family always celebrated his visits “home” to Minnesota from Florida with food, drink, music, dancing and special time spent together.

Reid was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Victoria Grundman, his brother Roger Grundman Jr., and nephew Aric Hood. He is survived by his sisters Patricia Grundman, Peggy Grundman and Polly (Glenn) Bauer; his nieces and nephews Kris Zitzmann, Chad (Laura) Hood, Erin Hood, Sarah (Paul) Jackson, Anna (Travis) John, and Julia (Patton) Bauer; his great nieces and nephews Alex, Josh, Emily, A.J. (Shannon), Mario, Mason (Audrey), Samuel, Daisy, Julia, Jace, Nic, David, Henry, Thomas and William; his great-great nieces and nephews Silas, Aliza, Kaiden, Isabella, Shiloh; and many dear cousins and close friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life, hosted by his family on Saturday, September 23 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the home of Glenn & Polly Bauer (1500 Brittany Road, Hastings, MN). Friends and family are welcome to join in sharing memories and celebrating Reid’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to contribute to the Pride Institute, an organization that offers inclusive and accepting recovery programs for members of the LGBTQ+ community. https://pride-institute.com/. If you would like to make a donation in Reid's honor directly, checks can be mailed to Pride Institute, 14400 Martin Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344.