Eric Paul Grimsrud

Eric Paul Grimsrud, age 82, of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on April 17, after several weeks surrounded by his loving family.

Eric was born on January 27, 1944, in Amery, WI, to Alton ‘A.T.’ and Janice (Ottestad) Grimsrud. He was raised in Zumbrota, MN, where he attended Zumbrota Public Schools. After his mother died when Eric was almost four, Helga Nerison moved in with the family to help A.T. raise the children and keep the home. The small town of Zumbrota gave Eric a full and active childhood—playing on nearly every sports team available, spending hours in the basement with siblings and friends, helping A.T. at the Zumbrota News, participating in music and church activities, and excelling in school, where he developed a strong interest in science inspired by Sputnik. Eric went on to earn a B.A. in Chemistry from St. Olaf College in 1966, followed by a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1970.

Eric shared nearly 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathy (Johnson) Grimsrud. Together, they built a life centered on family, learning, and adventure. They raised their family in Bozeman, Montana, embracing the outdoors through hiking, camping, hunting, and skiing. He especially cherished time with extended family in northern Minnesota lake country. Starting as a hobby, Eric became an accomplished carpenter, woodworker, and boat builder, leaving his mark on the many homes and getaways they made their own over the years.

Eric dedicated his professional life to science, education, and discovery. He served as a professor of chemistry at Montana State University for 29 years, where he was a respected teacher, mentor, and researcher. He made lasting contributions to the field of atmospheric chemistry and published more than 100 scientific articles and book chapters. He also mentored many graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, taking great pride in helping launch their own careers.

In retirement, Eric remained deeply committed to public education, especially around climate change. He wrote numerous opinion pieces, taught community courses, and delivered public lectures across several states. He authored "Thoughts of a Scientist, Citizen, and Grandpa on Climate Change", a book reflecting his commitment to making complex science accessible. He also maintained a long-running blog (ericgrimsrud.org), where he shared extensive writings on climate science, policy, and public understanding.

Eric was also a gifted athlete. At St. Olaf College, he excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning multiple letters and All-Conference honors. He received a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and was later inducted into the St. Olaf Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. He carried that competitive spirit into adulthood, excelling in golf and tennis.

Above all, Eric was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children Amy Anderson (Eric), Spokane, WA; Tim Grimsrud (Amy), Edina, MN; Paul Grimsrud (Sarah), Morrisville, NC; and Emily Beres (Mark), St. Paul, MN; siblings David Grimsrud (Deb) and Alice Stark (David); and grandchildren Charlie, Kate, Elsa, Emma, Krista, Nora, Rachel, and Oskar. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.T. and Janice, and his sister, Carole Rajala.

Eric will be remembered for his sharp intellect, passion for teaching, commitment to truth, great sense of humor, and deep love for his family—and dogs. He had a gift for explaining the world around him and inspiring others to think more deeply about it. Whether in the classroom, at home, or in conversation, he brought curiosity, humor, and wisdom to those around him.

Eric’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched—as a scientist, teacher, advocate, and, most importantly, as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, August 6, in the Town Center room at Marvella Senior Living (825 S. Mount Curve Blvd., St. Paul), with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Earthjustice (earthjustice.org) and Minnesota Hospice Foundation (minnesotahospicefoundation.org).

memorial service

Celebration of Life

August 6, 2026

Marvella 825 S Mount Curve Blvd, St Paul, MN 55116, USA

Eric’s Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. (Central) in the Town Center Gathering Space. A reception will follow.