St. Paul, MN - Eric Paul Grimsrud, 82, of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully April 17, surrounded by family. Eric was born on January 27, 1944, in Amery, WI, to Alton "A.T." and Janice (Ottestad) Grimsrud and was raised in Zumbrota, MN. He earned a B.A. from St. Olaf College and a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At St. Olaf, Eric excelled in basketball and baseball, earning All-Conference honors, an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, and later induction into the St. Olaf Athletic Hall of Fame.

Eric shared nearly 60 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathy (Johnson). They raised their family in Bozeman, MT, where they enjoyed the outdoors with their children. They also cherished spending time with extended family in northern Minnesota lake country. He was a professor of chemistry at Montana State University for 29 years, known as a dedicated teacher and mentor who made significant contributions to atmospheric chemistry. In retirement, he remained active in climate education and writing and continued a longtime hobby of carpentry, woodworking, and boatbuilding.

Eric is survived by his wife, Kathy; children Amy (Eric) Anderson, Tim (Amy) Grimsrud, Paul (Sarah) Grimsrud, and Emily (Mark) Beres; siblings David (Deb) Grimsrud and Alice (David) Stark; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carole Rajala. He will be remembered for his intellect, humor, curiosity, and his love of family—and dogs. A celebration of life will be held August 6 at Marvella Senior Living in St. Paul; details to follow. Memorials preferred to Earthjustice and Minnesota Hospice Foundation.