A Mass of Christian Burial for 90-year old Willis Gran of Gordon, NE, will be Monday, Nov 6, 2023 at 10:00 at St Leo’s Catholic Church in Gordon.
Interment will follow at the Gordon Cemetery.
Rosary will be Sunday, Nov 5, at 7:00 at St Leo’s in Gordon.
Memorials may be directed to the St Leo’s Catholic Church Memorial Fund, the Gordon Lions Club, or the Gordon American Legion Post 34.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home in Gordon is in charge of arrangements for Willis Gran
John Willis Gran was born on April 21, 1933, to Elmer and Eva (Parkhurst) Gran in Winner, SD, and died Sunday, Oct 29, in Gordon.
John grew up at Hidden Timber with his brother, James (Jim), and sisters Mary Ellen (Sister Eileen), Carolyn, Virginia, Patricia, Eileen, and Elizabeth before his family moved to the Holy Rosary Mission Ranch.
He attended high school at St Mary’s in O’Neill, NE before graduating from Rushville High School in 1951. He served in the U-S Army in Korean from 1953-1955. Upon his return, he worked with his Dad on the ranch before starting college at the University of Oklahoma, but returned home before graduation.
He sold insurance, then embarked on a decades-long career in the propane business with Gordon Propane. For a brief period, he worked as an Evening Host at the Hacienda Restaurant & Lounge where his children bussed tables.
Following retirement from the propane business, he worked for nearly 25 years for the Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, a position he was uniquely suited for and treasured.
In 1961, Willis was united in marriage to Lois (Shanks) Gran, a union that remained for 54 years. Together they raised five children – three sons: David, Damon, and Dustin; and two daughters: Denise and Diane.
Wills embraced and sacrificed for his family. He later enjoyed traveling throughout the United States sightseeing and visiting family in Eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Georgia, and Texas.
He will be appreciated for the countless flat bicycle tires he fixed on many a Sunday afternoon.
A beloved father, Willis taught his children the value of hard work, the necessity of ‘keeping the faith,’ the duty to care for the family, and the duty to serve both in the Church and the Community.
As a parishioner of St Leo’s Catholic Church, he served as a lector and as a member of various councils. When his children were in school, he even served as a CCD Teacher.
Willis was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Whether a husband, father, co-worker, or friend, his faith served as an anchor.
His calling was a life of service either to his family or to the Community. He never tired of lending a hand. He was regularly recognized for his service – receiving plaques, certificates, the ‘Quilt of Valor,’ and recognition in the news.
Willis was a member of the Fred F Sturdevant American Legion Post #34 and recently received the American Legion Dedicated Service and Post Chaplain Certificate from the National Commander, the National Adjutant, and Post Commander.
He was a founding member of the Gordon Lions Club, where he served for 50 years. He seldom missed a meeting and recently was among the top sellers of peaches.
Willis also served on the Sheridan County Fair and Rodeo Board, the Tri-State Cowboys Association board, and The Willow Tree Festival Committee. He was especially proud of being designated a Willow Tree Ambassador.
Willis was an avid reader of newspapers and magazines and kept informed on current events, the stock market, religion, and developments in ranching and agriculture.
He was a skilled bowler, competing in Men and Couples leagues. He loved to dance with Lois and it was a passion they shared for decades.
A highlight for him was dancing with Lois on center stage at the Gordon City Auditorium before a packed house during a Town and Country celebration.
Willis was preceded in death by his wife Lois; his parents; sisters Sister Eileen Gran OSF, Carolyn Holsinger, and sister-in-law Helen Gran; and brothers-in-law Dale Greenamyre and Lyle Shanks.
He is survived by children David (Caroline) of Glenwood, IA, Denise Gran of Austin, TX; Diane (Matt) Marks of Frisco, TX; Damon (Ann) of Cumming, GA; and Dustin of Omaha, NE. Grandchildren Robert Gran; Brian, Kyle, and Benjamin Marks and and Emma and Elise Gran.
He is also survived by his brother Jim of Lincoln, NE; sisters Virginia Greenamyre of Leavenworth, KS; Pat (Bill) Mertens of Springfield, MO; Eileen Gran of Sidney, NE; and Elizabeth Gran of Gordon; and many nieces and nephews.