Lee Grimm

Lee Charles Grimm, a man who embodied the spirit of Indianapolis and left an indelible mark on the gridiron, passed away on August 11, 2024, in Greenwood, Indiana, at the age of 84. A beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather, Lee was born on May 22, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Fred and Norma Courtot Grimm. The third of six sons, Lee learned early how to hold his own. When his father passed at an early age, Lee became a role model for his brothers and a leader in the family.

Lee grew up in Indianapolis, where he was a Cathedral High School standout, especially on the football field, graduating in 1958. He wasn't just any athlete; he was a force, earning his stripes at Butler University, where he dominated as a lineman and earned national recognition. He did so while earning his bachelor's degree in Insurance and Economics and serving as the president and treasurer of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. Lee's name was etched into the record books of Butler football history, earning several prestigious awards and accolades during his football career: 1963 Associated Press Little All-America Football Team Guard, 1963 Williamson National All-American Guard, 1963 I.C.C. Football Most Valuable Player, Member of the 1962 and 1963 All-Conference Football Teams, Captain of the 1962 and 1963 football teams, and Letter Winner 1961-1963. After graduation in 1964, Lee continued his football career, playing for the Indianapolis Warriors Professional Football Team from 1964 to 1966. The legendary Tony Hinkle had a special nickname for Lee. He called him "my All-American Kid," a title that spoke volumes.

Lee wasn't just a player; he was a Butler Bulldog through and through. Post-graduation, his love for the university never wavered. He served as a long-standing member and president of the Butler "B" Association/Bulldog Club and was honored as a member of the Ovid Butler Society. His service to the university was formally recognized in 1995 when he received the Butler Achievement Medal. Lee's remarkable impact on the university's athletic program was celebrated with his induction into the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame as a player in 1996. He was later inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2004, he was once again honored by Butler University, this time as part of the 1961 Undefeated Football Team inducted into the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame. A 1963 article in the Indianapolis News described Lee, saying, "he's smart, agile, and works hard. He has the kind of fierce desire to compete that separates the great athletes from just good ones." This could be said about how he tackled all aspects of his life.

After college, Lee married his college sweetheart, Sharon Schlenk Grimm. They enjoyed 25 years together and built a legacy that included raising their four children and running the insurance agency. Lee took pleasure in coaching many of his children's sports teams, especially football and softball. He started his business, State Insurance Agency, in 1968 and was president and owner for over 50 years as a general agent for group and individual health and life insurance sales until he retired to Arizona, leaving his son-in-law, Angelo Prati, to take over the business. Along with his son, Terry, Lee was a founding member and board member of Niowave, Inc., a radiopharmaceutical company that manufactures radioisotopes to cure cancer and save lives. He was a prominent figure within various professional communities, including the Knights of Columbus, Life Underwriters Association, International Association of Health Underwriters, and General Agents and Managers Association.

Lee was also an avid golfer. After hanging up his cleats, he swapped them for golf spikes, racking up tournament trophies and notching over two dozen Hole-In-Ones during his 20-plus years in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife, Jane Grimm.

Lee cherished his Indianapolis roots and had a longstanding tradition of attending the Indianapolis 500 with a large group of family and friends for nearly 75 years. This annual event was a highlight of each year. In his later years, Lee moved back to Indiana to be closer to family and friends. He truly enjoyed the time he spent and friends he made at Sycamore Reserve Senior Living.

Lee, known for making everything a family event, spoke proudly of his loved ones who carry on the Grimm legacy. Lee is survived by his children, Terry (Beth) Grimm of Lansing, MI, Debby (Ricky) Knight of Morgantown, IN, and Michael (Lola) Grimm of Indianapolis, IN; son-in-law, Angelo Prati of Carmel, IN; grandchildren, Joshua (Maggie) Phelps, Jack Grimm, Amanda (Andy) Barnhart, Abby Grimm, Jessica (Chad) Wagler, Lea Knight, Indiana (Liz) Prati, Sara Knight, Tatum Prati, Sharon Prati, and Ezekiel Prati; great-grandchildren, Owen Phelps, Rory Phelps, Finley Phelps, Lorelei Barnhart, Annabelle Barnhart, Lucille Wagler, Noa Knight, and Eve Knight; brother, Joe (Janey) Bennett of Indianapolis, IN; sister-in-law, Beth Grimm of DeLand, FL; nieces and nephews, Amy (Gary) Warren, Nicholas (Ashley) Bennett, Derek (Kimberly) Grimm, Travis (Bumby) Grimm, Marti (Doug) McGuigan, Greg (Connie) Grimm, Dennis Grimm, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews; and the extra tag-a-long, Kirby Sheets.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Norma Grimm; daughter, Marcy Prati; brothers, Fred Grimm, Bill Grimm, Gary Grimm, and Steve Grimm; and niece, Jamye (Bill) Rogers.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Lee requested that donations be directed to Butler University Football to honor Coach Tony Hinkle and all the "Kids" lucky enough to be given a chance to play football.

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