Died Tuesday August 29, 2017 at Pathfinder Place in Fremont.
Grant was born, raised and educated in Belleville Wisconsin and graduated High School in 1945. He farmed for 10 years alongside his father, Sam, until March of 1955 when he was drafted into the Army. He served two years and was discharged in March of 1957. While in the service he was introduced to Pearl L Burson, sister of his fellow serviceman, Robert Burson. She was the love of his life and they married in September of 1957. After a few months in Wisconsin, the couple settled in Pearl's hometown of Maryville, Missouri. Grant worked for the Nodaway County ASGS Government Ag Program for the first two years in Maryville. After the birth of their first child, David, in October of 1959, Grant went to work as a salesman at the Maryville Earl May Garden Center in January of 1960. Grant was promoted and transferred to the Earl May store manager in Boone, Iowa in 1964. He took this struggling store and made it profitable within 5 years. He was then transferred to the Fremont Earl May in September of 1969 and retired here in February of 1992. He continued to work after retirement as the grounds maintenance manager at Midland College and a salesman at Boomgaars retail store and Diers Farm Supply. He finally stopped working completely in 2007.
Grant was an active member of the Church's he attended. He served as Deacon in the First Christian Church in Maryville, Boone and Fremont. He has attended the Berean Church, Fremont Alliance Church and is a current member of the Fremont Church of the Nazarene. He was active in the communities that he lived including being a member of the Fremont Lion's Club and Golden Kiwanis's Club. He served as President of both clubs at one time. He also enjoyed delivering meals to area resident through the Meals on Wheels program. You could also find him at Walmart when it was peanut time for the Golden Kiwanis. He was also a member of the Art Peter's Garden Club and the City Advisory Committee.
Survivors: Son- David Klassy, Fremont; Daughter- Diane (Brian) Echtenkamp, Arvada, CO; grandson Bradley (Samantha) Echtenkamp of Ft. Collins, CO., & granddaughter Samantha Echtenkamp, Arvada, CO; nephews Norman Booth, Arkansas & Carl Booth, Michigan; several cousins in Wisconsin and Missouri
Grant was preceded in death by his wife Pearl in October of 2007 and sister Elva.
The funeral service will be 2pm Friday at Church of the Nazarene in Fremont. Rev. Aaron Horton will officiate. Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation, with family present, is Thursday from 5pm to 7pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Memorials are suggested to the Church of the Nazarene and Keep Fremont Beautiful.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(11)
Margie Erickson
troy, MO Friday, September 1, 2017 David and Diane, So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Rest in the peace and hope of knowing he is in heaven with Jesus and you will be reunited with him again one day. God's blessings to you at this time.Richard and Kim Claiborne
Granbury, TX Friday, September 1, 2017 David (my buddy) and Diane, We were so very sorry to hear the news of Grant's passing. We only knew Grant for a short time at Fremont Nazarene Church. However, his life was surely expressed through his children which was a life of love and kindness. May God bless you and keep you David and Diane, may His face shine upon you at this time. In His Love Richard and Kim ClaiborneEileen Thornburg
Fremont, NE Thursday, August 31, 2017 Dear Dave & Family,My sincerest sympathy at this time of loss. I know Dave from Midland. He was a hard worker just like his Dad! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eileen Thornburg
Faye Renner
Fremont, NE Thursday, August 31, 2017 I worked with Grant and Pearl for several years, and we became good friends. David, and Diane, He is with your Mother, now; both of them wrapped in God's loving arms. I hope you find your Peace in knowing this. I have so many memories.; of working along side both of them. Sorry I can't be with you at this time, but know I am praying for you and your family.Steve Novack
Denvver, CO Thursday, August 31, 2017 I never had the good fortune to meet Grant.I know what a decent, quality person he must have truly been, being close to his loving daughter Diane and son-in-law, Brian over the last 20 years.
My thoughts are with the family.
R.I.P. Grant.
Broscheits
Arvada, CO Thursday, August 31, 2017 Feeling with you, wishing we could be there. Prayer and love always.Beverly Muhm
Ames, NE Wednesday, August 30, 2017 I worked for Grant & Pearl, at Earl May's.We will be out of town or I would attend the service. Sorry for your loss.Dan, Lori, and Matt Maag
Lakewood, CO Wednesday, August 30, 2017 We want to express our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers to the entire family. We pray for Gods comfort and assurance at this sad time - and always!LeRoy & Janis Poppe
Scribner, NE Wednesday, August 30, 2017 Our sympathy to all. We have many fond memories of Grant from the Earl May store. He was always so kind and helpful. He gave us many tips on veggies and flowers as we had a green house and raised vegetables commercially. He will be missed by many but is at rest with the Lord now.Don Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, August 29, 2017 We lived 4 doors down the street on Mayfair in the 70's. Grant and his family were always friendly to everyone. Our kids grew up with theirs. Although we did not see them much in later years,we would run into the family and always had good visits.Joyce Stork
Henderson, NV Tuesday, August 29, 2017 Grant lived such a helpful life. I have fond memories of him at Earl May when he was the smartest man in town about all kinds of plants and gardening. He was always patient and kind with every customer who asked. He helped us and inspired us. My love to Brian and the whole family.