Missing Since: 1984-10-09 Location: Joplin, Missouri
Grunst was last believed to be hitchhiking from Joplin, Missouri to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was last seen in the vicinity of Interstate 44 and Highway 43 in Joplin, when she got into a truck driven by a man from Milwaukee. Grunst was living in Milwaukee at the time and looking for work there. She made a call from a Pittsburg, Kansas pay phone at 11:40 a.m. on October 9, 1984, the day after she left Joplin. She has never been heard from again. Grunst’s mother stated her daughter loved traveling and hitchhiked frequently at the time of her 1984 disappearance. When she left Joplin she was carrying a large sum of money and a brand new, expensive suede coat, both of them gifts from her brother, so her mother theorizes Grunst was robbed. Police identified and questioned the truck driver last known to be with her, and he reportedly gave inconsistent statements, but there was insufficient evidence to file charges against anyone. Grunst has previously visited truck stops in Wisconsin, California and Canada. Her mother believes she is dead. Investigating Agency Newton County Sheriff’s Office 417-451-8300 Source Information NamUs Missouri State Highway Patrol The Carthage Press Updated 3 times since October 12, 2004. Last updated January 14, 2011; details of disappearance updated.