Chad Garrick Grossenburg, age 52, died on November 16th, 2025, near Moran, Wyoming.

He was born on August 19th, 1973, in Winner, South Dakota, to Mick and Patsy Grossenburg. Chad was baptized soon after his birth at the Catholic church in Winner, and later received his First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

Chad grew up in the 1970s, embracing the simple joys of a small town childhood. He played Little League Baseball. He enjoyed hiking and fishing at the family cabin in Mystic, South Dakota. He shared a close bond with his brothers, Tony and Blake, and was deeply protective of them. He enjoyed spending time on his maternal Grandparent's farm.

Chad attended high school in Winner graduating in 1992 and went on to attend the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where he was an active member of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, forming lifelong friendships and going on to graduate in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Time spent hiking with his family while growing up led to a desire to work in the wilderness. In 2001 he began a life-long career working for the Forest Service. He earned a Master's degree in Earth Science from the University of Montana in 2007. Chad often said he was only able to get a good night's sleep in a tent and felt gratitude that he was lucky enough to get to work and serve in an environment that he loved.

When Chad wasn't working in the wilderness he spent much of his time there. He devoted years to backcountry skiing, rock climbing, rafting, and hunting. He was someone who was able to share these experiences, and occasional close calls, in a way that was visceral and detailed and made one feel like one was right there with him. He didn't dwell on his accomplishments, but would quickly move on to the next thing he wanted to do. In more recent years, he spent time traveling with trips to New Zealand, France, and Spain.

He was a life-long music lover with broad tastes and liked to share his discoveries with others. His love of music continued throughout his life including time as a volunteer for KHOL Jackson's Volunteer radio station where he hosted a Sunday afternoon show titled 'Left of the Dial' from 2014-2017.

Another of Chad's childhood passions, baseball, was also a constant presence throughout his life. He was a devoted San Francisco Giants fan making annual pilgrimages to Oracle Park to see them play.

Throughout his life Chad made many friends and touched many lives sharing knowledge and educating others on backpacking and the wilderness as well as music and literature. Chad never forgot anyone and spoke often of all of the countless good times he had with his friends going back to his childhood, through college, and the recent past. Chad possessed a truly sharp and unique sense of humor which was a constant in his life until his final days.

Chad was predeceased by his grandparents Johnny & Helen Grossenburg and Emil & Myrtle Cahoy; by two aunts Jean Cahoy and Linda Turner; and by uncles David Hirsch and Randy Grossenburg.

He is survived by parents, Mick & Patsy of Mystic, SD & brothers Fr. Tony of Mystic, SD & Blake of Brooklyn, NY. He also is survived by numerous relatives and many beloved friends.

A Christian Wake Service will be held on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 5:00 p.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Rose of Lima in Hill City, South Dakota.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima, with burial to follow in Hill City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, people are asked to honor Chad's love for nature with a donation or an act of kindness.