Dorothy I. Grangaard, 86

Dorothy I. Grangaard, 86

Died Dec. 22, 2008

Dorothy Irene Grangaard was born Aug. 4, 1922. She died on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008, from the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Nellie Haukland; her sister Emma Raith; and her husband, James Grangaard.

She is survived by her children: Richard (Rebecca) Grangaard, John (Gail) Grangaard, Robert (Sandra) Grangaard, Karen (Les) Larson and Christine (Victor) Bradley. She will also be missed by eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and friends.

Dorothy was a member of the Rush River Lutheran Church. She enjoyed directing junior choir and singing in the senior choir. She became the church organist and served the Lord in that capacity for many years. Her association with the church brought her great comfort and joy, until her declining health interfered with her ability to attend.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother who doted on her children. She was the shining example of the life lessons she strove to instill in her brood — lessons she taught about tolerance, loyalty, love, forgiveness and compassion toward oneself and toward all others. The therapeutic power of laughter and the healing powers of spontaneous smiles, hugs and pats on the back, were lessons she taught well.

We, her family, loved her greatly and miss her. She was a tower of strength and love from whom we can now draw sustenance only through memories.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 1 p.m., at Rush River Lutheran Church N8623 County Road Y, River Falls, WI 54022. Dorothy would be thrilled if her friends and church family would join her children in a time of devotion, scripture and prayer for this service. Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s research.

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