Fred P. Grant

Frederick Paul "Fred" Grant, 97, of Thief River Falls, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024, at Eventide Care Center, Moorhead, MN in the care of his family and Hospice of Red River Valley.

Fred was born June 11, 1927, in Moorhead, MN. He was the son of Paul and Nora (Wangen) Grant. Due to the illness of his mother, Fred was raised by his Aunt and Uncle, Lena (Wangen) and Sanborn Olson, where he was loved and treated as their own.

As a child Fred spent his summers working alongside his cousin, Gordon Game, at his farm near Glyndon, MN. The farm, where they raised cattle and crops was the foundation of his character, where the seeds of diligence and integrity were sown.

Fred graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1949. He remained a proud Bison supporter until the end.

Fred married Violet Mortenson on August 10, 1949, at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Their marriage was one of deep devotion and partnership that grew stronger with time. Despite the challenges of life, their unwavering commitment to each other was a testament to their 74 year marriage.

Fred spent the 1949-1950 school year teaching Agriculture to Veterans in Hawley, MN. In 1950 he was hired by Deere and Company. His first assignment with Deere was to organize John Deere Days across Minnesota and North Dakota. In 1951, Fred and Vi moved to Thief River Falls where Fred served as a Territory Manager for the company. He remained in that position until he retired in 1982.

In retirement, Fred had time to pursue his many interests. He enjoyed farming, woodworking as well as hunting and fishing. Throughout his life Fred's main goal was to ensure that his family was well cared for.

He taught us how to live, how to love and how to give. For this we are eternally grateful.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Violet. He is survived by his children, Jean (Mark) Haugland, The Woodlands, TX, Joy (Scott) Reed, North Oaks, MN and James of Thief River Falls, Mn. Also surviving him are his grandchildren Sarah (Dan) Langness, Kelly Reed, Julia Grant and Alexander Grant as well as great grandchildren Mathias, Malachi and Marcus Langness and Stella Lee.

Services will be held at a future date.