Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

RICHARD DENNIS "DICK" GRANGE

About

American Heart Association

FUNERAL HOME

Evergreen Memorial Gardens Funeral Chapel

1101 NE 112th Avenue

Vancouver, Washington

RICHARD GRANGE Obituary

RICHARD DENNIS GRANGE
September 18, 1923 ~ July 7, 2012
"Safe flight, Mission Complete, Time to Head Home"

On July 7, 2012, our family and the world lost one of the best from the "Greatest Generation." Dick passed away peacefully at Legacy Hospital, surrounded by loved ones grateful to be in his presence through his final moments. He always loved a crowd and surely felt comfort in the love around him until he departed to "go home."
Richard "Dick" Grange was born to Ross and Anna Grange on September 18, 1923, in Mobridge, South Dakota, the fifth of nine children. Dick graduated from Mobridge High School in 1941 and attended South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City. His eagerness to work took him out of the classroom and into the world.
In 1943, at nineteen, Dick joined the Army Air Corps as a waist gunner and photographer on the B-24 bomber. He was a member of the 15th Air Corps B-24 Bomber Squad, and attached to the 454th Bomb Group. Dick was stationed in Cerignola, Italy, and after completing 35 missions, was honorably discharged in 1945. He was the recipient of both a Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross_the highest award given by the Army Air Corps at that time. Dick truly embodied the ideals that define the Greatest Generation. He was proud to have served his country and proud to be an American.
On March 6, 1944, Dick married Margie Steinke. From the same hometown, their friendship blossomed in high school and spanned seventy-five years that included sixty-eight as husband and wife.
Following family who headed west before them, the young couple moved to Vancouver, Washington in 1948. In 1956, Dick and Margie moved to Walnut Grove after purchasing their first home_a burnt out house on five acres. Dick convinced his pregnant wife while she looked up at open sky from the basement where she stood in a knee-high puddle of water that "It'll be great!" He spent many hours working to turn the house into their castle.
Dick had a heart bigger than his beloved
five country acres; he looked for and found
the good in all people and all things.
With his fun sense of humor and contagious laugh, he welcomed hundreds of people to his home who found true Midwestern hospitality: Camaraderie, acceptance, education and lasting friendships. True to the sign, Grangeville was established in 1956 and its population varied!
Over the years, his work experiences ranged from shipyard welding to founder of Grange's Rug Company in the 50's. He also worked for Flying A / Phillips 66 oil companies, Western Electric and retired from the maintenance department with the Evergreen School District. Friends and neighbors were drawn to Dick's shop where there was always a project to engineer, an issue to debate and a lesson to learn. He was respected as the Dean of Students at his "63rd Street College." Dick set up a barber shop in his basement where he willingly gave free haircuts to many. His most loyal customer was his big brother Jim. Dick was indeed a jack of all trades!
All it took for anyone_regardless of their age_was that first handshake to begin a memorable friendship with Dick Grange, a man in his Winter years who possessed a spirit of Spring. His father always told him "Make a new friend every day." He continued to embrace that advice through his final season of life. Since his passing, a new friend expressed that with which many agree, "Although our friendship was far too short, it lacked nothing in its kinship." He will be long remembered as a man of great character and compassion.
Dick is survived by his lifelong love, Margie; his daughters and their spouses, Jill and Rene Bollman, Jan Grange, Laurie and Craig Cassidy, Lisa and David Hunsinger and "son," Jerry Desmet; grandchildren, Spencer, Andrew and Tyler Desmet, Rebecca Bollman and Amy Doehne, and Ross, Lauren and Alli Hunsinger; his great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Brecken, Talan, Kassidy and Emily; his siblings, William (Bill) Grange, Ross (Dint) Grange and Beth Jurgensen; and his legacy includes a loyal and loving circle of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lorrie, Jim, Dorrie, Jean and Cathy; and granddaughter, Jessica.
A military graveside service will be on Saturday, July 28, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 1101 NE 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684. Following the service, the Patriot Guard will escort attendees to the Grange family home where we will gather for a memorial tribute celebrating Dick's life.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Shriners Hospital or The American Heart Association.
Please sign his guestbook at the columbian.com/obits.
"Over and Out"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbian on Jul. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD GRANGE

10 Entries

Jill Harteloo

August 15, 2012

I remember when I was just a wee little one, every time we were there he was out in his shop tinkering one something. The only time he would come into the house was to eat and then he was right back out there. I never saw a time when he did not have at least one other out there just working their jaws and hands. He was a fine man that anyone would have been been blessed to have known.

Brad Roettger

July 30, 2012

I had the honor of calling Airman Richard Grange "friend".
My story begins 32 years ago in a european train station with a "chance" encounter with a girl who changed my life forever. The journey to Dick's friendship began at that seminal moment of meeting my destiny. Late last year I pursued my heart's calling left my lakeside cabin,said goodbye to friends and my midwestern life.
Upon arriving,in the northwest,my life's love introduced me to the family Grange. The man we honor is the patriach of this wonderful family. I was quickly "swept" into the "rapids" of Grangeville.Dick was a force of nature whose Heart and personality were larger than the skies of South Dakota. Simply put, Dick was a character who exemplified character. He truly was the Welcome Wagon and the Chamber of Commerce rolled into one package. Dick unconditionally accepted me,introduced me to his great friends,trusted me and filled me with a sense of belonging.( I found out later he took in strays:-) That was a singular rare "gift" that I will never forget.
As I sit in my travel trailer this morning, at the Grangeville estate, I feel and sense his presence. Dick's infectious sense of humor,caring and generosity is ever-present on this "eclectic" hallowed ground. (as well as a disparate collection of inventory:-)
We are all well reminded of a man who demonstrated to us the goodness in life. We are all enriched by remembering,emulating and honoring a life so well lived.
God Bless and Rest Well Airman Grange!

Jerry Beacock

July 28, 2012

July 28, 2012
Its hard to express the words how special dick was to us kids back in the day, he always welcomed us to comb through his treasures and never turned us away, my most memorable thing was the old vespa cars that didnt run, we would push them up the hill and ride them down each time trying to get a faster run and so dick joined in with the tractor and helped us after we couldnt push anymore, he was so proud of his beautiful margie he would share photos of their early days and his military time , im so thankful for this time with him.... god speed old buddy you will not be forgotten.

July 26, 2012

Mr. Grange...that is what we would called him in the many months that were spent down at the land that we rented for the horses. There was always a smile upon his face and glimmer in his eye that I will always remember. I am thankful to have known him and will cherish the memories! Shelly J Vancouver, WA

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Linda Hammer Johnson

July 25, 2012

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Grange. {that's all I ever called him}He was so funny and so nice and he never forgot who we were. The last time I seen Grange was at my parents funeral last Oct. He looked good. I have known Grange all my life. He will be missed. Now he is in heaven and chatting up with Charlie Hammer and his brother Merrill. It is so hard to loose someone who means so much to you and it leaves a big whole. Take care you wonderful people and God bless you all. ph.600-6594

American Heart Association

July 24, 2012

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Cecile Houser

July 24, 2012

So sorry to hear about your loss. Dick was a great man, always giving of himself to help others. He had this great smile when he spoke to you and a wonderful personality. I loved listening to his stories. He loved to tinker in his garage and I bet he's up there now creating something special for the angels. My prayers are with you Marge and family. God bless you all.

July 24, 2012

I worked with Dick at Western Electric, such a great guy. He will be missed. May God comfort you all in your loss.
Tim Leathers Rockwall Texas

July 24, 2012

Margie, Lisa and Family
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, I still and always will have fond memories of the visit and laughs I had with Dick as he came along with Margie to the store so he could get the dog food. All my love to all of you and may you find peace in all of you great memories
Rusty Finley and Family

Mark Gaunt

July 24, 2012

I met Dick years ago when we were on on a local grassroots committee. I remember a meeting at his home where Dick & his wife made everyone feel welcome. I remember Dick in the crowd at many Vancouver Veteran's Day Parades. To this day I have a t-pole that Dick gave me from his metal pile that I used to make an outdoor clothes line for my wife. I lost touch with Dick over time, but still remember him everytime I see the laundry pole in the back yard. RIP, Dick. A lot of folks will miss you.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results