Roberta Ann Grandchamp

Grandchamp, Roberta Ann (née Nielsen) 89, of Minnetonka passed away at home on January 24, 2024, from complications arising from a massive stroke and congestive heart failure. Roberta was born in the depths of the Great Depression on October 4, 1934, at the home of her maternal grandparents, Henry and Lillie Iverson. She was a breech baby, and after she was delivered, didn't take a breath until she was slapped on the buttocks by her father. Her arrival into this world demanded her resilience, a skill that she would be required to tap into again and again as she navigated her way through life's inevitable challenges. Roberta grew up in Minneapolis, and attended South High School. She loved horses, dancing to a big band at Hobble Hoy Hollow, and her friendships with Barbara Church, Rita Sass, and Kathryn Larson. Roberta worked as a caddy at Woodhill Country Club shortly after World War II, and later, as a server at Stouffer's restaurant in downtown Minneapolis, where she took the streetcar to work. She married Irv Stoddard in 1953, and they welcomed three sons. Roberta and Irv later divorced, after which she married Mike Grandchamp in 1968. Roberta and Mike were married for 47 years, until his death in 2016, and had one daughter together. Roberta and Mike hired Eckland & Swedlund to build their dream home in Minnetonka in 1973, and it was their residence for the rest of their lives. The home was their pride, their joy, and their sanctuary, which they graciously shared with both family and friends. Many lovely, memorable, and magical holidays and celebrations were savored in this home, and remembered by all in attendance. Roberta was a lioness. She fiercely loved her pride, though her relationships with its members weren't always easy or copacetic. Homemaking and child-rearing were her life's work. To her credit, she raised four children who are all healthy, purposed, and self-supporting, which is no small feat in today's world. Roberta's interests revolved around hearth and home. She loved to cook, trying out new cookware, and had both electric and gas ranges in her kitchen. Roberta derived her greatest joy from gathering with the people she loved and sharing meaningful conversation, ideally accompanied by a good meal, cup of coffee and cigarette. Even though it is verboten in today's culture, Roberta smoked until two days before she died, and enjoyed each and every cigarette and the conversation paired with it. Roberta is preceded in death by her mother and father, Dorothy and Harry Nielsen, her sister, Iva Dell Rojas, her brother-in-law (Tom Rojas, Sr.), a nephew (Tom Rojas, Jr.), two aunts (Gladys Nielsen Gustafson and Hazel Nielsen), two uncles (Crawford Gustafson and Chris Nielsen), both husbands, and dear friend, Patricia McDonnell Crom. Roberta is survived by her sons Craig (Paula) Stoddard, Christian Grandchamp, and Peter (Patti) Stoddard; by her daughter, Suzanne Grandchamp; and by her grandchildren, Ian (Cara) Stoddard, Kalen (Jenna) Stoddard, and Rachel (Will) DeRocher. Roberta is further survived by her nephews Mark (Fran) Rojas, Jeff (Joan) Rojas, cousin Dr. Bonnie Gustafson Beaver, and her friend of 60+ years, Russ Goad. In celebration of Roberta's life, her family requests that you gather your family and friends near for a meal and meaningful conversation and make sure to tell them that you love them. Private memorial and interment.

Tributes

Roberta Ann Grandchamp

October 4, 1934 - January 24, 2024

Tributes

Roberta Ann Grandchamp

October 4, 1934 - January 24, 2024

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