Eric was a 1989 graduate of Belleville East High School, a 1998 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a 2005 graduate of Lindenwood University with a Master of Arts in Educational Administration. He was a Special Education Teacher with the Special School District of St Louis, teaching at Rockwood Summit High School in Fenton, MO for over 20 years. Eric was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Eric loved all things history – reading about it, watching the history channel, going to museums, but especially loved teaching it to his students at Rockwood Summit. His love of exploring the outdoors started as a boy scout in Saudi Arabia where he lived with his family from 1981 – 1983. Eric was a former scout leader for his son’s troop and enjoyed a 12-day trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Eric had a love of music, whether it was listening to it, playing it or making up silly songs. He had a love for Halloween and Christmas, never missing an opportunity to dress up.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Adrian and Virginia Peterson and Morris and Felicia Grimmer and his father-in-law, William Buss.
Surviving are his wife of 24 years Susan, nee Buss, Grimmer, whom he married on May 16, 1998; his daughter, Madison Grimmer and son Dylan Grimmer; his parents, Rick and Judy, nee Peterson, Grimmer; a sister, Carrie Grimmer Courtney (Mike Burk); his mother-in-law, Marquita Buss; sisters-in law, Cheryl (Jay) Vogt, Denise (Jon) Calabra, Julie (Jeff) Hodde; a brother-in-law Bob Buss; nieces and nephews, Morgan Courtney, Jackson Courtney, David Calabra, Nicole Calabra, Tony Calabra, Ryan Calabra, Joshua Hodde, Justin Hodde, Kellie (Jordan) Lester and Katie Vogt; great-nephews and a great-niece, Logan Monroe, Mckenzie Greenfield and Jace Greenfield; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and two furry companions, Winston and Milo.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff in the intensive care unit at Belleville Memorial Hospital for all their efforts and the excellent care they provided.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, August 21, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee Officiating.
Visitation: Also, there will be a visitation from 12 to 12:45 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
A funeral procession will leave at 12:45 p.m. for a 1:30 p.m. graveside service with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.