Eileen R. Grand

Memorial services for Eileen Grand of Becker, MN and formerly of Roseau, MN, will be held on Monday, August 15th at 11 AM at the Becker Baptist Church in Becker, MN.  A visitation will be one hour prior at the church.  Interment will be at the Spruce Cemetery in Roseau, MN on Wednesday, August 17th at 10:30 AM; with a reception to follow at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Roseau at 11 AM.

At the age of 87, Eileen Ramona Grand began her “greatest adventure” while her daughter sat by her side singing, at 2 AM Thursday, August 11, 2016, at Lake Ridge Manor in Buffalo, MN.

Eileen was born on April 25, 1929 in Virginia, MN to the delight of her parents, Alfred and Olga Johnson. This spirited girl developed a love for swimming as she and her brother, Harvey, were frequently found at Lake 14. During her high school years, Eileen and her family moved to Roseau, where Eileen was active in cheerleading and music, and she also participated in both band and choir.

At just 18 years of age, Eileen married Vernon L. Grand on January 31, 1948. She was an excellent homemaker, raising five children, and was an avid gardener, and a notably accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed being the church pianist/organist and for years taught piano lessons. Her children often drifted off to sleep to the sound of her fingers on the keys. Eileen continued to play her piano until five days before her death.

Eileen and Vernon were well known for their Grandstand popcorn wagon concession business they ran for 53 years, for which she handcrafted her own caramel corn. Eileen also owned a Kirby vacuum cleaner business in Roseau for many years.

In 1991, they built a new home and moved to Lake Julia near Clear Lake, MN to be closer to family.

In October of 2009, Eileen lost her best friend when Vernon passed away. Being a “people person,” Eileen later moved to an apartment in Becker for more companionship.

Eileen, daughter, wife, mother, grandma, friend, teacher, and patient, was easily loved and enjoyed by all those whose lives she touched. Her gift of hospitality was extended to all as her door was always open.

Survivors include her children, Georgia Halvorson of River Falls, WI, Susan (John) Halvorson of Clear Lake, Douglas (Mary) of St. Cloud, Rebecca (Guy) Weaver of Big Bear City, CA and Michael (Lori) of Biwabik; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and brother, Harvey (Gladys) of Andover, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband, Vernon.

Interment will be in Roseau, MN at Spruce Cemetery on Wednesday, August 17th at 10:30 AM, followed by a Celebration of Eileen’s Life at the Evangelical Covenant Church.

***Memorials preferred to the Lake Ridge Care Center, Buffalo, MN.

 Service Information