REST IN PEACE
Charles J. Grant, 82, of Libby Lake in rural Itasca County, died in his home Thursday, May 19, 2016, with family by his side.
Charlie was born Sept. 16, 1933, in St. Paul to Lloyd and Julia (Sandkamp) Grant. He was born, raised and educated in St. Paul while living in 22 different homes during that time. Charlie attended Nazareth Hall after eighth grade, entered the St. Paul Seminary and was ordained a priest of the St. Paul Archdiocese in 1959. He served the Archdiocese for 12 years in parishes and taught physics and mathematics at Nazareth Hall, leaving the active ministry in 1970.
In 1971, Charlie married Norma Tanata, and shortly after they moved to Libby Lake, where Charlie built their home, his woodworking shop, and began his business of making fine custom furniture. He inherited his love and skill of working with wood from his grandfather, Sandkamp, who built many of the Catholic churches in Stearns County. Charlie continued his furniture making until the last few years when he was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease/Lewy Body Dementia.
Charlie kept up his friendships and association with the Greater Mesaba Men’s Book Club as long as he was able. He and Norma were avid snowmobilers. Charlie loved classical music, visits with close friends Charlie Maurer, Larry Baldwin and so many other friends, neighbors and customers. He loved sharing his philosophy and values with all whom he encountered. Charlie will be remembered by so many as being a living example of a Christian man.
He is survived by his wife, Norma; son, Chuck (Patty) Grant of rural Staples, Minn.; daughters, Lorna (Marc) Rouleau of Westminster, Mass., and Sara (Rich) Anderson of Libby Lake; grandchildren: RosaJean Anderson, Eric and Alex Rouleau, Kyle and Collin Anderson, Carlene (Shane) Breckenridge, Courtney Carlson and Candice (Zachary) Boudin; and great-grandchildren: Lucus, Jaxson and Clara Breckenridge, Jaidyn and Jacie Gross, and Eli Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Julia (Sandkamp) Grant, and his sister, Mary Ann Grant-Wolf.
Funeral: A celebration of Charlie’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Steve Tomberlin will officiate. A reception will follow at the funeral home reception hall immediately following the service.
Visitation: Will be held one hour prior to the service Sunday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com.