Obituary for Grant Raymond Ellis

Grant often said, “You’re going to miss me when I’m gone, kid!”  All five of his children would agree that more prophetic words were never spoken.

At 92 years of age, Grant Raymond Ellis quietly slipped away, surrounded by his children, in the early morning of January 9, 2025.

Grant was born on March 13, 1932, to Ralph Raymond and Edith Lenore (Pollard) Ellis in Breitung Township, (Tower - Soudan) Minnesota.  He was just a toddler when his parents, along with his older sister Peggy, moved to Cass Lake, Minnesota. It is there that he grew up in a boy’s paradise surrounded by beautiful forests and pristine lakes.  His Dad taught him to work hard and play just as hard. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, but he hated chopping and stacking wood.  His Mom loved baseball and passed that love on to young Grant. He attended elementary and high school in Cass Lake. Grant was a regular rascal and played many a prank on his unsuspecting sister, not to mention the shenanigans he pulled at school. According to Grant, there was no proof of his involvement when all the prom cakes went missing. He developed a deliciously dry sense of humor that could send his family and friends into hysterics and Grant never met a dog he didn’t love. 

At just 17, Grant became the “Man of the house” when his father died on December 28,1950. To support his mom, In the summer, Grant seined and trapped minnows for the family business, Red’s Minnows. He drove taxicabs in the winter months. There came a day when he realized he needed to pursue a career, allowing him to support his mother and his family.  That’s when he ended up on the Iron Range working at several red ore mines until Eveleth Taconite opened. When Grant turned 62, he retired as a maintenance mechanic to pursue his many hobbies.

On a blind date, in the summer of 1951, Grant met the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Lease of Bemidji.  Admitting they were just a couple crazy kids at the time, they married on October 21st of the same year.  In November 1952, their first son, Douglas, was born.  In just four and half years, they added four more to the family: Sharon, Diane, Dorothy, and Robert. Grant was convinced that he and Marge grew up with their children and since Grant was no quitter, he and Marge remained married for 66 years until Marge passed away February 18, 2018.   

In nearly 93 years, there is no doubt Grant accomplished many wonderful things. Eventually, his path brought him and his family to Forbes, Minnesota in 1957.  His children will remember a hard-working honest and loyal man who took his responsibilities as father and provider very seriously. He liked limericks (often naughty), reading good westerns, listening to music, experimenting in the kitchen, gardening, maintaining a beautiful yard, camping, duck hunting, fishing, spoiling his pets, and his children and grandchildren. (not necessarily in that order) He was passionate about the things in which he believed, and he was always thinking of ways to improve his surroundings.  He liked to gamble on occasion and enjoyed a cold MGD regardless of the time of day or the weather outside.  

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marge, his sister Peggy Rothleutner, parents-in-law Elmer and Anne Lease, stepfather Reuben Nesbitt, grandson Chad Luukkonen, son-in-law Larry Olds, brothers-in-law Gil Kirt, Joe Rothleutner, Richard Bleth, & Bob Idovich, many good friends and several dogs who brought immense joy to his life. 

Grant leaves behind his five children; Douglas (Janet Walter) Ellis, Sharon (Thomas) Holcomb, Diane (Adam) Strugala, Dorothy (Steven) Luukkonen, and Robert (Lori Rosdobutko) Ellis. 

Thirteen Grandchildren: Tammy (Brad) Tischendorf, Brenna (Preston) Kangas, Cory (Shantel) Holcomb, Ryan (Gina) Holcomb, Jeni (Chris) Dale, Andi (Mike) Macenski, Cyndi (Kerry) Collins, Maggie (Matt) Stensberg, Jessica Brush, Keith Luukkonen, Stacy (Quinton) Ayers, Bryan (Kristin) Ellis, and Jake (Jeanna) Ellis. 

Sixteen Great Grandchildren: Braedon Kangas, Elizabeth Holcomb, Hadey, Harrison & Hayden Holcomb, Deanna, Josie, and Spencer Dale, Alexis Macenski, Payton and Pepper Collins, Annah (Tim) Jenkins, Stephanie Brush, Zoie Fore, Jordan Lommel, and Raegan Ellis plus six great great grandchildren.

Brother-in-law Carl (Margaret) Lease, sister-in-law Marian Idovich and many nephews and nieces.  Last but not least, Grant leaves behind his little dachshund, Izzy.  Each of their lives were profoundly touched by the man known as son, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and uncle and none could ever doubt the love he gave without condition.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Essentia Health in Virginia for ensuring the last hours of Grant’s life were calm and peaceful.  Additional appreciation is extended to amazing staff at Cornerstone Villas in Buhl. Grant’s family found comfort in their compassion and kindness as they prepared to say goodbye to their dad.

A Celebration of Grant's Life will take place on Saturday, July 19th, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (no visitation) at the McDavitt Town Hall, 9042 Zim Rd, Zim, MN with lunch to follow.  The officiant will be Elder James Hancock and inurnment will be at the Forbes Cemetery.  

Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Virginia.  To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.