Richard H. Grandt, age 88, of Amery, WI died Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul surrounded by his loving family. He suffered a fall at home on Tuesday resulting in a severely broken back with extended health complications. He was born June 2, 1936, in Will County, Illinois the son of the late George H. and Elsie (Rowoldt) Grandt. Rich married Rose M. Dempsey on June 15, 1957, and they raised 3 children in the Whitewater, WI area. He graduated from Whitewater College High School in 1955 where he excelled in athletics, lettering in four sports.

In 1943, when Rich was 7 years old, his life changed when his 12-year-old brother was paralyzed with an unknown disease later called polio. In 1946, the family moved from Illinois to a farm in Whitewater, WI. Rich was 16 when his father passed, taking on even greater family responsibility as the oldest boy at home. After high school he married Rose, and they farmed together in Whitewater until retirement. In 2001, they fulfilled their life wish and moved to a home they built on Lake Wapogasset near Amery.

Rich was a skilled wood craftsman with training starting in 4th grade through high school at the campus schools. He enjoyed creating unique wood items for family, friends and others. In addition to farming, he also was a Purina Feed Specialist at Millard Feed Mill and due to an accident, he was forced to change employment; eventually he retired from a facilities repair position at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He excelled as a winemaker and raised silver fox for marketing as pelts. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, trapper and sports enthusiast. He was a loyal Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan following his Illinois roots.

Rich was humble and had a huge heart. Without merit he assisted many young people both financially and with advice. He was ‘Dad’ and ‘Grandpa’ to many people beyond his immediate family. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church, Whitewater, serving as a board member and in charge of the high school youth group. In Amery, he was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Garfield. Giving and helping others was his motto either with a smile or otherwise. Above all, he truly cherished his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Rose; 1 son, Tom (Patsy) Grandt of New Richmond, WI; 2 daughters Tammy (Steve) Huth of Janesville, WI, and Tina (Tim) Honigschmidt of Menasha, WI; 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ben) Daniel of Greendale, WI; Kimberly (Bill Welker) Grandt of New Richmond, WI; Michael Huth of Grass Valley, CA; and Kelly (Jon) Stelter of Dowagiac, MI; 6 great grandchildren, Aiden, Hailey, Railyn, Laina and Saidee Daniel of Greendale; and Cora Welker of New Richmond; a brother, Ralph of Davis, IL; sisters-in-law Cathy Garvin of Janesville, WI and Donna Lee of New Holstein, WI; as well as numerous loving nephews, nieces and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Lawrence, George, and Harold; and his sisters LaVerne Anderson, Irene Pevonka, and Evelyn who died shortly after birth.

Following Rich’s caring ways, due to traveling distance for family and friends, there will be no funeral services. Following cremation, a private Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends in the spring. Memorials to the family will be used to establish a family scholarship fund for nontraditional students who want to improve their life by pursuing a higher education program later in life.

Last Update: Sep 23, 2024 3:09 pm CDT