Stephen - Gordon R. Grandstrand, 76, died Saturday, August 19, 2000 at North Valley Health Center in Warren.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22, at Salem Lutheran Church in Stephen with Rev. Erik Heskin officiating. Rhoda Huglen was the organist, and Beth Baumgartner and Sandra Weiland were the vocalists. Casketbearers were Donavan Fredricks, Donald Nelson, Rodney Grandstrand, Gary Hultgren, Gale Frei, Marlin Nelson, Greg Borowicz and Terry Donarski. Interment was in Salem Church Cemetery in Stephen with Collins Funeral Home of Karlstad in charge of the arrangements.
Gordon Russell Grandstrand was born on May 18, 1924 in Sinnott township of Marshall county near Stephen, the son of Albert and Edith (Blomquist) Grandstrand. As a child, he moved with his family to Augsburg township near Stephen where he grew up and attended school. Gordon was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
On December 28, 1948, he was united in marriage to Lila Nelson at Viking. Since their marriage, the couple had made their home and farmed in Augsburg township.
Gordon was a life-long member of Salem Lutheran Church and held several offices there. For 45 years, he served on the Augsburg Town Board and was a member of the Karlstad Lions Club. He was an active 4-H leader for many years and served as a church communicator for Lutheran Brotherhood for several years. In 1998, Gordon and Lila received the Marshall County Farmer and Homemaker award. He was also active in a variety of other community affairs.
He is survived by his wife, Lila; two sons, Russell (Judy) of Strandquist and John (Denise) of Stephen; four daughters, Marilyn of Billings, Beverly (Mark) Robertson of Argyle, Vera (Terry) Rowell of Riverton, Wyo. and Karyn (Roger) Santl of Roseau; seven grandchildren; four foster grandchildren; five brothers, Melvin (Irene) of Viking, Paul (Edythe) of Stephen, Delbert (Lou Ann) of Sunberg and Dale (Beth) of Karlstad and Carl (Mary Jane) of Albert Lea; three sisters, Grace Frei of Stephen, Edna Nagle of Princeton and Bernice Hultgren of Kennedy; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert.
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