Orland Elmer Grannes

Orland Elmer Grannes, 87, of Belview, MN passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Friday, November 20, 2015. Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Grace Lutheran Church in Belview. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 pm on Monday at Grace Lutheran Church and will continue from 9:30 am until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. Interment will be in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Belview with military honors provided by the Belview American Legion. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is caring for the family. Orland Elmer Grannes was born on Tuesday, August 21, 1928, the second child to Ole and Inga (Enger) Grannes. He was born on the home place in Swedes Forest Township, in the Minnesota River Valley. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Belview, which is now Grace Lutheran. He attended District 10 School and then graduated from Belview High School in 1947. He helped his parents on the farm and worked for area farmers. Orland was drafted into the Korean Conflict on January 21, 1951. He was a Squadron Leader for the 19th Infantry. He was injured in battle on October 19, 1951, receiving a Purple Heart, and then returned to the front line again. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1952. Orland returned home again to help his parents farm and milk cows, and help area farmers once again. Orland was united in marriage to Patricia Thorson on March 28, 1959 near Willmar, MN. Together they raised five children: David, Bonnie, Ruth, Jane and Kari. Orland was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Belview. He served as an usher, on the cemetery board, Church Council, and for the last 10 years was a faithful assistant of the Grace Senior Worship Service. He loved to garden and share his produce and melons with family and friends, as well as donate to the area Food Shelf. Orland enjoyed music, family gatherings, and farm life. He was a 60 year member of the August Donner Post #309 and DAV. Orland was honored to have been Grand Marshal with his five brothers in this year’s SOD Day parade. Orland passed away peacefully at his home where he was born, with his family by his side on Friday evening, November 20, 2015. He attained the age of 87 years and 3 months old. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma six weeks ago. His family cared for him along with Redwood Area Hospice. Those grateful to have shared in Orland’s life are his loving wife, Pat; one son, David (Michelle) Grannes of Belview, four daughters, Bonnie (Lee) Preuss of Echo, Ruth (Rodney) Peterson of Sacred Heart, Jane (Don) Feldman of Renville, and Kari (Mark) Matson of Marshall. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren whom he adored, and who also thought the world of him, Lily Grannes, Megan and Jennifer Preuss, Ben (Holly) Peterson, Ashley and Allison Peterson, Kyle and Brett Feldman, Alyssa and Tyler Matson, and the one who made him “great” at 85 years old, his great grandson Hunter Peterson; six siblings, Alden Grannes, Gordon (Lavon) Grannes, Burton (Shirley) Grannes, Muriel (Philip) Schmidt, Charles (Judy) Grannes, and Melvin (Kay) Grannes; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Inga Grannes, and in-laws, Thorwald and Ruth Thorson. Orland was known for being a generous and caring soul, always willing to help out when needed, in his kind and quiet way. He lived his faith. Blessed be his memory.