March 3 - March 16, 2020
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World War II veteran turns 100 with Danish flair Erling Grumstrup enjoyed a trip to Washington, D.C., in October
Just before his 100th birthday, Erling Grumstrup took a trip to the United States Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) where he witnessed the raising of the flag.
By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
E
rling Grumstrup answered the door with a big smile and holding one of his tennis shoes. He was getting ready to ‘hike’ down to Olsen’s Bakery and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a few friends. “I got them all little gifts and it should be a great day,” Grumstrup said. You could never tell by looking at him that he turned 100 years old on Jan. 26. His century of life was celebrated in a big way at Atterdag Village of Solvang, where Grumstrup’s friends and family got together for a wonderful party including a group from the Museum of Danish Americans who flew out from Iowa to honor him. They had a Danish style cake and Grumstrup was so overjoyed to have been celebrated. “It was such a fun day,” he said. “I had no idea when I was a kid I would make it to see 100. I am thankful.” Grumstrup was born in 1920 and raised on a small farm in a Danish community near Tyler, Minn. His mother taught him to speak Danish and he still speaks it today. Grumstrup attended a vocational school in Superior, Wis., where he became a machinist. However, soon after he took on his first apprenticeship, he was drafted for World War II. Grumstrup entered the Marine Corps and attended training in California and Hawaii. After completing his training, he was sent into combat. Grumstrup fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima and witnessed the iconic raising of the United States flag there. He was wounded in combat by a grenade and was hospitalized for several months. Grumstrup returned to service for a few more months after his recovery and
Photos contributed You could never tell by looking at him that Atterdag Village of Solvang resident Erling Grumstrup turned 100 years old on Jan. 26.
received a Purple Heart for his bravery during the war. After completing his service, he went home to his wife, Selma Henriksen, whom he had married shortly before being drafted. They had five children, two sons and then three daughters, the last being twin girls. The children were all raised in Minneapolis and attended the University of Minnesota. Grumstrup also lived in Denver after his children had grown and loved hunting and fishing with his family. Grumstrup moved to California and Atterdag Village in 2008. He knew several friends who lived in that retirement home, so he wanted to be closer to them.
His children visit him every few months as well. One of the hobbies Grumstrup brought with him was music. He has always enjoyed singing and even attended music school in Minneapolis for a brief period. He now has a keyboard in his room so he can practice frequently. Grumstrup also sings with another resident every morning after ERLING CONTINUED TO PAGE 28
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