John William Granger

John Willis Granger transitioned this life on June 23, 2024, at North Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. In the 74 years of John's life, he was so many things to so many people. He was a husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. John was always available to lend a listening ear, offer words of support and encouragement whenever needed, and a tenacious problem solver. His absence will be gravely felt by his entire family and friends. His journey began in Hollandale, Mississippi where he was born to Albert and Mary Granger. He attended and graduated from Simmons High School in 1967. In 1969 he began his military career where he earned five Bronze Stars, the Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He furthered his educational studies at the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in General Studies. His professional career included fourteen years in management at Medtronic Corp, several years as an entrepreneur, and fifteen years at Federal Express from where he retired. In later years, he was an active volunteer with the Veterans Administration Hospital of Minneapolis. John was also recognized for his community involvement with the City of Brooklyn Park's Human Rights Commission and Long-Range Planning Committee. A strong believer in education led to his mentoring young male readers at Palmer Lake Elementary School in Brooklyn Park for several years. John loved spending time and sharing his experiences and wisdom with his grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud and adored. He loved gardening and enjoyed taking NUMEROUS photos during family gatherings and visits to, in his words: "preserve those special moments". He was strong in his faith and a devout member and devoted trustee of Greaterfriendship Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mary, sister Berniece, and brother A.G Granger. He leaves a legacy through his wife, Edna, his sons DeChristopher and Gregory (Sarah) Granger, daughter Jodie (Kevin) Detzler, seven grandchildren Alexandra (Andrew) Peterson, Angelina and Jackson Orta, Haven Detzler, James (Jazmin), Noah, and Lauren Granger, siblings, Alice Smith, Bettye and Verge Granger and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Extended family includes Casey (Lisa) Morrissette, Tyrone (Cheryl) and Pamela Johnson, Jose Orta, Larry and Melvin Harris. His life was a blessing and his memory will remain a treasure to all who loved him.

Tributes

John William Granger

July 27, 1949 - June 23, 2024

Tributes

John William Granger

July 27, 1949 - June 23, 2024

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