Kernit Eugene Grimshaw April 11, 1949 - November 17, 2020 As the sun’s rays break through the clouds of another day, a man that we deeply love and cherish is now watching the view from another perspective. Kernit Eugene Grimshaw passed away on November 17, 2020 due to Covid-19. He was a lifelong resident of Mission, South Dakota who dedicated his considerable talents to his family and his community. If, and when this world changes back, we will all miss his booming voice, ironic wit, and brightly colored ensembles stalking the sidelines, courtsides, cross country courses and tracks across the state. He was at once both larger-than-life and yet more down-to-earth than anyone else we knew. Born in Valentine, NE on April 11, 1949, Kernit was the son of Dorthy and Walter Grimshaw. When he was seven, his father died, and Kernit, and his brother Gregg, spent several years living with their sister Pat and her husband Bob Adrian on their ranch outside White River. There he learned the values of rising early, hard work, and eating as much as he could before it was all gone. He was a 1967 graduate of Todd County High School and went on to study a year at the University of South Dakota. He returned to the area and in 1968 married Marjorie Kauffman and this union was blessed with son Joseph, and daughters Jennifer and Julie. A true Renaissance man, Kernit appreciated fine artwork, low literature and any type of music- especially Bob Marley and Pink Floyd. He was a man of many passions and spent much of his life running, motorcycling, and taking pictures. Over the years he served on the SD Arts Council, and the Boards of Winner Regional Hospital, and REDCO to name a few. In 1991 while serving on the Board of Northern Plains Tribal Arts he met Michele Sulsberger. He quickly presented her with a beautifully beaded turtle and told her it invoked the powers of long life and fertility. After their 1992 marriage and the births of Elijah, Lottie, Eireann and Samuel he often joked he wasn’t expecting quite so much fertility. As a father he was quick to praise, often to brag, and unapologetic to let you know when you had disappointed. Lengthy lectures and lashings would inevitably end with “I just don’t get it”. He was also quick to forgive, to laugh, and to make it better. For many of his friends and family he was our first call when trouble struck because he could point us in the right direction and would move mountains in order to help. Kernit was a student of hard knocks and divine grace who never quit learning and exploring. He loved to share his knowledge, opinion, hugs and photos with everyone who was lucky enough to cross his path. He was fiercely loyal to his family, band of brothers, area sports teams, and the best loved dog in the whole world. A banker extraordinaire, for over 51 years Kernit held court and council at 112 N. Main. The bank’s name may have changed a few times but Kernit as a stalwart fixture never did. He began his career in banking at the age of 14, sweeping up after hours, and by the age of 27 was Manager of the Mission branch. He soon became a Director and Bank President. Known for common sense and a level head, he was a mentor to many young bankers who dubbed him “The Godfather”. Kernit twice survived cancer. First colon cancer in 2001, and then again six years later after it had metastasized to his lungs. He knew each day was a gift and to live every day to the fullest. He was so grateful for each and every friend, thankful for every kind word, and would rise each morning joyous to greet the sunrise. This last year Kernit embraced retirement to become a “Gentleman Farmer” and he delighted in felling trees and mowing his Iowa acreage into walking paths for he and Bear. He enjoyed making daily posts filled with his musings and photos and hearing back from all his friends. He enjoyed shopping with his wife and seeing how many things he could sneak into the cart, and he delighted in treating her to “dinner and a movie”, where he’d set up a card table in front of the TV, light a candle and put on a show that he wanted her to see. This could happen at any point during the day, often for breakfast. We should all rest easier knowing our biggest fan, Kernit, is still cheering us on from above. To do better, strive harder and make good choices. One of those choices he would hope you would make would be to wear a mask. Kernit is survived by his wife, Michele; his children: Joe (Dawn), Jennifer (Travis), Julie (Justin), Elijah, Lottie, Eireann and Sam; his grandchildren: Zachary, Sasha, Naomi, Alexandra, Jillian, Gabriel, Jacob, Nathaniel, Payton and Ethan; and his great-granddaughter Maya. He is also survived by his brothers: Kelly (Linda), and Gregg (Jo). He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorthy and Walter and his sister Patricia. Private family services were held Tuesday, November 24, 2020 with burial following at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery in Mission, SD. There will be a public memorial and celebration of Kernit’s life next spring or summer. Holmes Funeral Home of Valentine was entrusted with the arrangements.