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110 East 12th Street
Vancouver, Washington
FENTON A. GRAHNERT
June 10, 1923 ~ December 21, 2012
Fenton Grahnert, 89, died at home in Sifton, WA, Dec. 21, 2012. He was born June 10, 1923 in Rapid City, SD to Wilhelm and Bessie (Brown) Grahnert. He moved to Clark County, WA in 1938, residing there until his death.
Fenton married Marjorie French in 1942 and joined the Marine Corp in 1943. He served in WW II when he was wounded during the battle of Okinawa.
He was a long-time member of the VFW Post 7824 in Vancouver.
Fenton was a butcher and meat cutter all his life until he retired.
He was an avid rock hound, wood carver and oil paint artist.
Fenton is survived by sons, James (Carol) of La Center, WA and Wesley (Sandy) of Vancouver, WA; son-in-law, Vernon Loy; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie; his longtime companion, Marie Engle; daughters, Susanne and Linda; grandson, Michael; and granddaughter, Melissa.
Viewing will be held Mon., Dec 31, 2012, one hour prior to the funeral service which will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Vancouver Funeral Chapel, 110 E 12 St., Vancouver, WA. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Please sign his guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Fenton's loving son and daughter in law- Wes and Sandy Grahnert.
Never Forgotten Brother!
December 22, 2019
I just read about "Gabby" in "Bringing Mulligan Home." A war hero. Even though my departed father was also a WWII vet, reading about Gabby's experience was special because he lived locally.
John-Ridgefield
December 15, 2013
I am so sorry. I just found this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I know my mother (his cousin), Evelyn Grahnert Lockhart, is showing him around in heaven.
Patty Wilson
March 14, 2013
Carol Grahnert
January 29, 2013
Thank you, Wes and Sandy, for continuing to have this remain online. Very generous of you. Love you both. Jim and I will miss him so very much. Our lives have been so enriched by his love and generosity. Miss you Dad.
January 29, 2013
Fenton Grahnert
January 27, 2013
Fenton Grahnert
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Fenton Grahnert
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Fenton Grahnert
January 27, 2013
I was there at Hazel Dell School in 1938. Our paths would cross from time to time and in 1989 we began having Hazel Dell reunions which Fenton faithfully attended. Don and I would visit Fenton and Marie and enjoy that good honey and the rocks, fish, and the amazing paintings and carvings. There was pizza at The Pied Piper on Tuesdays and the 170th birthday party for Fenton and Marie. A warm and caring friend will be missed. Rest in peace.
Pat Davis
January 2, 2013
Gods Speed Fenton! I was honored to have known you and thank you for your service to our great country.
Brian Cummins
January 1, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. I am so sorry I didn't make the services.
Gerry Adolfson
January 1, 2013
I got to know Fenton quite well when I was a Meat Inspector at
Evergreen Packing Co. I am so sorry that I was not able to attend
his Memorial Service today.
Jim Andresen
December 31, 2012
We have very fond memories of Fenton and Margie when we were members of The Vancouver Four Wheelers Club back in our Jeeping days. Our Deepest Sympathy to all of the family.
Tom and Shirley Ezetta
December 31, 2012
On behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW 7824 our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. We are sorry for your loss. He will always be remembered at the VFW Post 7824.
Jenifer Harris
Ladies Auxiliary Present
Jenifer Harris
December 31, 2012
My friend, you will be missed by the whole neighborhood! I loved talking to you at the fence and hearing all your stories. Bridget & Patrick Murphy
December 31, 2012
I miss you poppa. Whenever I think if you I think of the sweet little honey stucks you would give us, the pretty rock's you polished and set into beautiful jewelry. The stories you told me and the sweet hugs and kisses. I didnt get to tell you how much you ment to me and how thankful I was to have you in my life. How even in hard times you were there for my grandma, my daddy and brothers. I will miss you and think about you always.
Semper Fi Poppa
-Jaimie Hawes (Loy)
Jaimie Hawes
December 31, 2012
Uncle Fenton led a long and colorful life. His WWII battle stories painted a picture of courage in the face of great odds. He was very proud of his service to his country in the Marine Corps. I have great memories of Fenton and Margie, visiting them in their antique filled home. Always welcome. Fenton and Margie traveled together a great deal, searching for antiques, rocks, and geneology records. I have a couple woodwork pieces that Fenton made for me, he was quite a craftsman. The last time I saw Fenton was at my dad's funeral. I was happy to see him on that sad day. I know that dad and Margie were there in the light, greeting Fenton as he finally came home.
Christy French
December 31, 2012
I remember that every week Fenton would bring his lawnmower up to the old VFW post and he would mow the lawn and never asked a thing for it. He was a great man.
Dale & Jackie Howard
December 30, 2012
Pat Davis
December 30, 2012
Grahnert family
December 30, 2012
I will miss you Fenton. You were like a father to me all of these years and I love you very much. May you have peace now and run in the meadows and see the sights you've never seen..all with your loved ones before you. God bless you and keep you, Melissa, Linda, Marge and everyone before us, in his arms. Love you, your daughter-in-law, Sandy Grahnert
Sandy Grahnert
December 30, 2012
Jim & Wes, Your Dad and I were friends as long ago as 75 years. He was my uncle. Once on a family visit he took me out where his Dad had a large field filled with tomato plants. As I followed him I took care not to step on plants or fruit, as did he. In fact, I probably stepped in his footprints. The field was so large that it all looked the same to me, but your Dad knew exactly where he was going. Finally he stopped, bent down, and showed me where he had hidden a salt shaker under leaves of a tomato. We settled down right there on the warm dirt, and proceeded to pick ripe tomatoes. We ate our fill without having to move, and it was a glorious, sun-blessed day for me. One which I will never forget.
It was just one of many. We also shot our 22s together on hikes over the hills. I went with him when he milked cows. Cats lined up against the side of the barn and your Dad, every now and then, proceeded to squirt milk into their opened mouths (more or less, that is--not all of each squirt got into a targeted mouth. But the cats didn't mind the misses. They simply licked it off their fur and waited patiently for the next squirt.
Your Dad was a master craftsman, as you know. As a little boy and later as a man with kids of my own, I watched him carve animals out of wood which were perfect replicas of the real things. He also made bows that not only shot arrows straight and true, but also were so beautiful as to be works of art, and displayed the grain of the bow wood finished with loving care. In later life he turned rock hound. Once in San Francisco I stood and listened as he conversed with an expert on rocks and minerals. Your Dad knew more than the expert, and had been to every dig the expert mentioned, knew the name of every speciman the expert was showing, and told the expert how to get to places the expert needed to see himself. I was impressed, and proud of my uncle. Later, your Dad began cutting and polishing some of his rocks. Once again he proved a master, and gave lovely rocks to those he loved. He never finished cutting and polishing all his raw material, and I suspect you may strain a muscle or two hauling tons of gemstones away from his beloved proverties.
I could go on, but there's not time (I'm 81 myself, and probably not much longer for this world.) But I want you to know I loved your Dad, and look forward to meeting him in that better place where he now is. God bless you and all your kith and kin. Convey to them my love and hope for comfort at the loss of a great man.
Love, Duane
Duane Miles
December 29, 2012
Semper Fidelis Gabby. When Dale gave me the news my thoughts went back to the hectic days and nights on Okinawa that we had "dug in" together, 2 on & 2 off. Rest in Peace. Ed Hoffman
L-3-22-6thMarDiv.
December 29, 2012
December 29, 2012
It's hard to convey the influence that my Grandpa had on my life in a few simple words...He showed me how to have a passion for life and new experiences, How to hold onto my beliefs no matter what anyone else said and most importantly, To show love and kindness not only to friends and family, but also to strangers.
I miss you Poppa.
Julie Loy
December 29, 2012
Fenton (The last real cowboy) think you for all you did for our daughter, we will miss you very much and will never forget you, we always loved listening to your wonderful stories, you were truly a amazing man and friend.
Rick,Vicki,Dan, Neena and Chris
Vicki Williams
December 29, 2012
In 1957 my father Van Vanderhoef started the Vancouver 4 Wheelers along with Bill Green & Vern Churchman. Not sure when Fenton & Margie joined but know it was early in the clubs history. What fun we had, it was family oriented all the way...with jeep excursions it seemed almost every weekend. There was also the grounds on Green Mountain with an amazing trail up the side of the mountain. I learned how to drive a jeep naturally on those trails around that mountain. Thank you Fenton & Margie for those beautiful memories of a fun time with good friends. My deepest sympathy for your loss, my prayers are with the family and dearest friends that we shared.
Darla Vanderhoef/Warner
December 28, 2012
Fenton, you were a great neighbor and a great man. Best Honey ever!! you will be missed.
Brian and Nadine
December 28, 2012
I knew Fenton from that first day he entered Hazeldell school in 1938 when he was part of Whitmores class.
Larry Daniel
December 28, 2012
Thank you Marine, My Brother served with you in the 6thMarDiv on Okinawa during WWII and when he was leaving to join our Supreme Cmndn't you stood by his side and his family.... never forgotten, you will forever be on the rolls, name read at each of our meetings in remembrance of your service and care for those around you.
I fell blessed to have known you not only as a warrior but as a warm, loving and caring person...
Semper Fidelis
John Stofiel
December 28, 2012
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