Clifford Milo Grann
December 29, 1916 - August 2, 2015
Obituary
Clifford Milo Grann was born on the family farm near Carpenter, SD on December 26, 1916 to Elmer and Gertrude Grann. He had two sisters and two brothers, whom he outlived, and a third brother who was stillborn. His mother died in childbirth when he was 15 and his father never remarried, which Cliff always considered a testament of his devotion to Gertrude. Cliff farmed until he entered the Army in 1942 during WWII as a Military Policeman, and escorted AWOL servicemen and German prisoners of war on the train to their holding barracks in the United States until his discharge in 1946 as a sergeant. Cliff marred Eileen Moore on May 22, 1949 and accepted her two daughters, Judy and Anita, as his own. He and Eileen had one daughter, Lane. They began married life in Carpenter where he was employed by Carpenter Hardware store. He had a beautiful tenor voice and throughout his life loved to sing in the church choir. Cliff and Eileen moved their family to Jamestown, ND in 1953 where he worked at Melland’s, Inc., an appliance and farm machinery sales company, and belonged to a men’s chorale group, the Jamestown Choralaires (which still exists today). In 1963, the Grann’s relocated to Burien, Washington, where Cliff was employed by Seattle Hardware and worked in the flooring department until he retired in 1982. League bowling was a big part of his and Eileen’s life until he finally gave it up just a few years ago. He was so proud that his driver’s license allowed him to drive until he would have been 102. Clifford has been a faithful member of Glendale Lutheran Church for more than 50 years and a devout Christian his entire life. A quiet man, he was warm, friendly, appreciative, non-judging, supportive and a devoted husband. A deadly “Marbles” player, he consistently got more than his fair share of sixes, going “through the middle” fearlessly and winning with that little grin and a twinkle in his eye. The red playing pieces will always be his. Clifford Milo passed away on Sunday, August 2nd, 2015, two years after his beloved wife of 64 years. Cliff is survived by, and he and his remarkable hugs will be greatly missed by, his daughter, Lane Grann-Stahl, his two stepdaughters, Judy (Tamlin) Anderson and Anita (Herbie) Sommerfeld; his grandchildren: Kenneth, Scott, Randy, Teresa, Jeffrey, Tracy, Marty, Tim, LaRae, Derek, Phil, Kristin, and April; and many great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was indeed an amazing man. I always enjoyed time spent with him when we both could hear each other!
sending some loves to all,
Cliff was a fine example of Christian virtues: Friendly, humble, loving, unassuming, patient, tolerant, and unselfish. He was a very blessing to know.
My love goes to Cliff and Eileen, together now again. They were beloved members of Glendale Lutheran Church. They poured communion wine twice a month (preparing it before the service for distribution) for MANY years. They stopped when Cliff was 90 or about then. God bless their loving family and friends.
Cliff always wore a warm smile and eyes that lit up when he talked to you. His hug could squeeze the air from you and his handshake could crush your hand even in his 99th year. He was a kind and true gentleman. I am so thankful to have known him.
The service was a wonderful tribute to Clifford.
Blessings to all the family.
I remember you as a gentle kind man and yes with great hugs. May you rest in peace, Dear Soul.
Bobbi