Norman Charles Gran was born on Feb. 20, 1942, in Breckenridge, Minn. to Luella K. Thonnes and Martin Charles Gran. He attended Campbell Elementary School and graduated from Campbell High School in 1962. Following graduation, he attended Moorhead State College.

On June 10, 1967, Norm married Mavis Olson, and to this union, two children were born. The marriage ended in 1985.

On Feb. 25, 1994, Norm married Ruthe Baughman Ulrich in Jackson, Minn. The couple spent 30-plus years in Jackson before moving in 2020 to Fairmont, Minn. to be closer to family.

Norm taught at school in Echo, Minn. and Lakefield, Minn. He owned and operated the Hi-Lo Club. worked for Toro and for Ag Chem (AGCO) in Jackson until his retirement.

Norm was an active hunter and fisherman. He had many fishing and hunting experiences. One of his memorable trips was with his son Travis to Canada. Norm was proud of his “fish of a lifetime” – a red fish which was second in the state records in Texas. Norm was able to check off one of his bucket list items with a duck hunting trip to Aberdeen, S.D. with his “adopted grandson” Patrick Thate. Norm loved to get young people involved in nature, hunting and fishing. The grandsons, and later the granddaughters, were introduced to nature and he thoroughly enjoyed that. Norm and Ruthe loved to travel and visited many beautiful places including their dream vacation to Hawaii.

Norman is survived by his wife, Ruthe Gran of Fairmont; son, Travis (Jeanne) Gran of Lakefield; daughter, Nicole (Lee) Harding of Scottsdale; step-children, Janiece Runge of Council Bluffs; Jodie (Dennis) Schrader of Fairmont; Scott (Jaimee) Ulrich of Armstrong; grandchildren, Narissa Gran, Mankato, Emma Gran, Samantha and Noah Steckman of Lakefield, Ava, Aurora and Gift Harding of Scottsdale; step-grandchildren, Andy (Terri Jo) Runge of Logan; Alicia (Aaron) Williams of Peoria; Ariel (Sean) Quinn of Council Bluffs; Aric (Ashley) Runge of

Phoenix; Spencer (Myranda) Schrader of Kasson; Sierra (Jacob) Hartke of Fairmont; Gabriel and Jewell Ulrich of Armstrong; fifteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Duane (Bonnie) Gran and Mike (Lea) Gran; sister, Kathy (Kal) Beckius; many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Norm is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Luella Gran; grandparents, Charlie and Gertine Gran; Anna Drewniak and Joseph Thonnes; and nephew, Dean Gran.

The family is requesting memorials be directed to Cancer Research, UHD Hospice, Pheasants Forever or St. Jude’s. The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Norm will be laid to rest at Lakeside Cemetery where he will overlook George Lake; I feel that is fitting. Love you always! Ruthe

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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