Art Granheim

Art Granheim, age 82, of St. James died on Monday, January 10, 2011, at Pleasant View Good Samaritan Center in St. James. Arthur Reuben Granheim was born April 4, 1928, on the family farm, in Long Lake Township, Watonwan County and baptized in Long Lake Lutheran Church. As a child, with his younger sisters, June and Arlene, he lived in Ormsby and St. James, and after that in Odin. It was during this time, his father, Oscar, died of pneumonia in 1936 when Art was 8 years of age. His mother, Ragna, took the threechildren, June, Blanche and Arthur, to St. James in 1942 where she found employment and the children continued their education. After school hours Art found part-time employment at Milt's Standard Service Station, the bowling Alley, and Schmidt's Bakery. He joined the Navy during his senior year on the 14th of June, 1946 and was honorably discharged on the 15th of April 1948, serving on the USS Butner. After returning home, he was employed at Dreke's Photo Shop where he met his future wife, Gloria Durow. Their marriage took place in the Norwegian Lutheran Church on September 29, 1951. He started work at the local post office and retired in 1986. He worked for LeDale Helling until 1993. Following his work on the farm he was employed by St. James Plaindealer as a courier until he retired. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, a lifetime member of the VFW where he served as commander in 1967 and 68, also as chaplain for them, the Legion and the Eagles. During his lifetime, he enjoyed spending time with his family, driving with his family cross country to freeload on friends, fishing, bowling, golf, playing cards with friends and spending mornings in the Band Box. He never did learn how to dance! Art is survived by his wife Gloria Granheim of St. James, sons Bruce Granheim of Wichita, KS, David Granheim of Fairmont, 2 sisters June Morton of Edina, Blanche Arlene (Tom) Wolfe of Eden Prairie,daughter-in-law Mary Granheim of Fairmont, 4 grandchildren Sara Granheim of St. Cloud, Katy (Ross) Magnuson of Marshall, Jacob Granheim of Fairmont, Chelsea Granheim of Wichita, KS, a great-grandson Levi Magnuson of Marshall. He was preceded in death by his parents.