John Granneman

JOHN JOSEPH GRANNEMAN was born April 23, 1925 to Herman and Anna (Bakker) Granneman on a farm near Florence, Minnesota. He grew up on farms near Florence and attended country school through the eighth grade. As a young adult, John worked as a cook on the railroad and then lived and worked in Minneapolis for two years. On June 19, 1948, John was united in marriage to Alvera Biever in Lake Benton, Minnesota. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Tyler, Minnesota where John farmed, spent time working at the grain elevator and worked as a car mechanic. In 1963, the family moved to Luverne, Minnesota. John worked various jobs and was employed at Hanson Silo, Luverne Creamery and Iowa Beef Packers, from where he later retired. Alvera passed away on Feb 19, 1995. John remained in their home until 2011, when he moved to Lakeville, Minnesota to live with his son, Steve. On Monday, January 23, 2017, John passed away at the Augustana Health Care Center in Apple Valley, Minnesota at the age of 91 years and 9 months.

John was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. He enjoyed pheasant hunting, growing tomatoes, dancing, and watching baseball, football and politics. He also enjoyed reading history of the old west, current affairs and Country western music especially Johnny Cash. John was a kind and patient man who rarely ever lost his temper. Though he was a man of few words and did not show emotions easily, John loved his wife, children and family very dearly. His wide smile, corny jokes and puns will be a lasting memory for his family. May he rest in peace.

John is lovingly remembered by his seven children, David (Joni) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Steven (Marge) of Lakeville, Minnesota, Dale (Debbie) of Faribault, Minnesota, Joanne (Bruce) Fodness of Hardwick, Minnesota, Mark (Cleo) of Northfield, Minnesota, Brian (Pam) of Jasper, Minnesota and Stewart of Golden Valley, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Angela (Ben) Helgeson, Jennifer Granneman, April Granneman, Amanda (Justin) Gunter, Diana Granneman, Whitney (Tyler) Hall, Robert (Lisa) Fodness, Julie Fodness, Jonathan Fodness and Carter Granneman; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alvera; parents, Herman and Anna; two brothers, Ray and Frank Granneman; and a sister, Francis Greer.