Grant J. Christianson

It is with great sadness and a broken heart that we share that on August 28th, Grant J. Christianson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.  For the past three years, he courageously battled chronic Lyme disease and ALS with determination and grace. Grant chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and as a family, we did our best to honor his request. He wanted people to share thoughts about his life and character rather than about a disease that robbed his body of strength.  A service remembering Grant will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 22nd at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 4-6:30 pm, Thursday, September 21st at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with a Time of Sharing at 6:30 pm.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.  Memorials may be directed to Winning the Fight, 11706 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL, 33612. https://winningthefight.org/donate/

Grant Jeffrey Christianson was born at Willmar Hospital on December 15, 1957.  He was the son of Grant L. and Arlies (Sachariason) Christianson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Svea Lutheran Church and has been a member of Vinje Lutheran since 1986.  Grant was born with a birth mark in his throat and had a tracheotomy for the first two years of his life.  The irony for those who knew Grant, is that he was unable to make a sound for those two years.  No crying, babbling or talking.  Grant made up for the lost time by being an excellent storyteller with a loud and distinct voice throughout his life. 

Grant attended Blomkest Elementary School and graduated from Willmar High School and the University of Minnesota with an agri-business degree.  (He was always planning his trip to the Rose Bowl to watch the Gophers!)  The university did not disappoint as it was there, he met Joan Blonigan, the love of his life.  They were married on August 17, 1985, in Excelsior, Minnesota.  They were triple blessed with children: Ali, Grant and Kai.

Grant made his living in agriculture in the Blomkest area, first as a farmer and then as the owner/operator of Allied Grain, as well as a variety of other endeavors.  For the better part of forty years, he spent most of his waking hours driving tractors, trading commodities, managing operations and inspecting crops.  While agriculture was his passion, his family was his first love and he considered his company and his employees as his 4th child.

Grant was an avid farmer, fisherman, traveler, and football fan, but more importantly, husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He didn’t know how to do things halfway and was known for saying “Wahoo,” “Just do it,” “Let’s make it happen,” and “Be Somebody.”

Grant is survived and will be missed greatly by his adoring wife of 38 years, Joan; children: Dr. Ali (Scott) Schollmeyer and their daughter, Sky of Mendota Heights, son, Grant (Sarah) Christianson and their daughter, Sloan of New London, son, Kai Christianson of Denver, CO. Also surviving are his siblings: Nancy (Mike) Simkins, Kaye Bacon, and John (Anne) Christianson; brother-in-law, Douglas Evans of Andover, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Judy (Doug) Evans.  We wish Grant peace.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.