Fred Grisier receives 2017 Stryker Good Neighbor Award

     A man who has been actively involved in the Stryker community through his 80 year life, received the town’s award for being such a good citizen Saturday night as part of the 2017 Stryker Summerfest activities. There was a full crowd at the Stryker Fire Hall as the town’s mayor, Joey Beck, announced Fred Grisier was receiving the annual Good Neighbor Award.
     Mayor Beck pointed out that Mr. Grisier can trace his family’s history in the town before Stryker was formally established. He told the well-wishers that “He’s one of those individuals who seems to have his hands in a little bit of everything, helping anyone and everyone. He’s a businessman, and he’s been part of the Rotary, as well as a Mason.”
     Grisier pointed out that he couldn’t have done it all had it not been for the support of his wife, Helen, as they both ran Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker for many years and she covered things when he was involved in a local project. Today he assists his sons taking care of the business.
     A long-time historian, he remains an active trustee of the Stryker Area Heritage Council, and a member of the Stryker United Methodist Church.
     As many of his family members gathered around, he told the crowd, “Folks, this is really an honor. Our family has been here since prior to Stryker. My great, great grandparents immigrated from France in the early 1840’s, and Lordy day, we’ve been here ever since.”
     Grisier said it has been his pleasure to have been active in a lot of organizations in the community and raise his family in the town.
     “It’s been wonderful. We’ve raised four wonderful sons. We’ve had eight tremendous grandchildren. And we’re about to get our first great grandchild, which is going to be a boy, too!” he said.
     Even though he’s been a very active part of the community for many years, Grisier says he continues to enjoy it.
     “At my age, I’m having a lot of fun. We have a very strong family, and wonderful, wonderful friends in this community and the surrounding area.”
     Mayor Beck finished the presentation saying the community is grateful for Grisier’s contributions through the years.
     “I think Stryker is especially privileged to have someone like him. And it wouldn’t matter if it were Stryker, Archbold, Bryan or someplace in Indiana…any village, any city, town, or community would be lucky to have a Fred!” he concluded.