Levi Grant

Funeral services for 62-year old Levi Grant of Chadron, NE, are Wednesday, June 8, at 2:00 at the Dawes County Ag Society Exhibit Hall at the Fairgrounds in Chadron.

Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, followed by a reception back at the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall.

A memorial has been established for the Dawes County Ag Society and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Levi Scott Grant was born on January 23, 1960, in Chadron to Yvonne and Robert Grant of Whitney, NE. He was joined in death on May 30, 2022, by his significant other Mimi Wheeler-Groves on a scenic drive in Utah on his Harley, doing what he loved. 

Levi attended Whitney School through 8th grade and graduated from Chadron High in 1978.  During his childhood, he was a member of the Gumbo Guys and Gals 4-H Club.  

He was also a member of the Dawes County Junior Leaders where one highlight was going on an exchange trip to Canada.  Little League Baseball was also a part of his childhood.  

Levi was destined to be a junkyard owner with his first endeavor being a huge collection of bicycles.  At around age 10, he set up “Levi’s Bike Shop” in a lean-to next to the granary on their place.  

In high school, he rented the old gas station in Whitney where he worked on cars including his first car, a 1964 red Oldsmobile Cutlass.  He started a small junkyard near his parents’ hay field.  

Levi began working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad right after high school.  His ten-plus year tenure on the railroad took him from Riverton, Wyo, to Norfolk, NE, and every little town in between.  During his younger years, Levi enjoyed Demolition Derbies and league softball.

Levi married Pam Gregory on February 2, 1980, and they welcomed a baby boy, Shawn Isaac Grant, on September 18, 1980.  The marriage dissolved in September of 1982. 

In the spring of ’85, he became involved with Constance Vrbka and her children, and they welcomed a baby boy, Creighton Robert Grant, on May 16, 1987.  That fall, they parted ways, and Levi proudly gained full custody of Creighton.  

After quitting the railroad, Levi worked for Ed and Rosemary Peterson’s salvage yard.  He also helped his brother Bryan start up his machine shop.  In 1996, he started his business Levi’s Auto Metal & Recycling.  

In the early 90’s, Levi again welcomed the sounds of children when he met Michelle Bisby.  They were united in marriage on  August 4, 1997.  

Levi, Shawn and Creighton welcomed Michelle, Jessica, Chris, Melissa and John Paul to build a blended family. Annual trips to Sturgis, camping and hiking in the Black Hills of South Dakota and many family gatherings and picnics became tradition.  

Levi’s definition of family did not end with his immediate family, ,but he closely involved many nieces, nephews, friends and friends of friends in so much of what he did. These interactions were so often filled with lessons of language and labor. 

In December of 2016, his marriage to Michelle came to an end, but Levi continued his love for his blended family.

Through his whole life, his ties to the family ranch remained a priority, so It was no surprise to his family that he introduced Mimi Wheeler-Groves at the 2016 branding. 

On December 6th, 2010,  Levi was sworn-in after his election to the Chadron City Council, which he fervently served four years in. 

His service in the council inspired him to run for the Dawes County Commissioner District 2 seat. While approaching only half his term this November, Levi was still enthusiastically searching for new ideas and solutions. 

Levi and Mimi were excited to check more items off their bucket-list as his retirement approached. He took pride in achieving 40 years of sobriety, and being an involved grandparent and mentor to his adult children.

Levi Grant is survived by his children Shawn (Julie) Grant, Jessica Bisby, Creighton (April) Grant, Christopher (Destini) Lohman, Melissa Lohman, John Paul Bisby; grandchildren, Connor Grant and Braden Grant; Abigail Grover; Carter Grant and Conrad Grant; Axton Lohman and Veda Lohman; Richie Rudloff; brother, Bryan (Dee Dee) Grant; sister, Jodi (Shawn) Reitz; nieces and nephews, AJ (Jeni) Grant, Brooke (Aaron) Olson; Tyler (Jazlyn) Reitz, Dawson (Trysha) Reitz; great nieces and nephews, Micah Grant; Aurora and Bonnie Olson; Walker Reitz.

 He was preceded in death by his parents (Robert and Yvonne Grant), maternal Grandparents (Wesley Sr. and Gladys Tlustos), paternal Grandparents (Lawrence and Donna Grant).

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Levi Grant