Grant Alan Nunn
Grant Alan Nunn, 71, of Two Inlets MN, passed away peacefully to the Lord on the evening of Friday, October 2, 2020 surrounded by family and friends. Born September 6, 1949, in Detroit Lakes to James and Lois Nunn, he was raised 1 of 6 siblings in Ponsford, MN and attended elementary school in Linnell and Osage, then high school in Park Rapids where he participated on the wresting team.
After graduating High School in 1967, he enlisted in the Army National Guard which spanned a 36 year career, the last 18 being with his much loved 119th Civil Engineer Squadron, the “Happy Hooligans” out of the Fargo Airguard. After returning from boot camp he was employed with Emblom brothers Construction. On July 11, 1970, he married Mary Ann Ritts and the couple moved to St. Paul where he went to work for Donovan Construction. Returning back to Park Rapids in 1971 they had two daughters and he began his 41 year career as a lineman with Itasca Mantrap.
Grant enjoyed adventure and the outdoors. His combined careers as a lineman and in the Guards, along with his love of hunting brought him to Italy, Korea and St. Kitts and locally around the US, north to Alaska, the South and the West. His time with the Happy Hooligans gained many accomplishments including being part of the record setting Power Lineman Team at the first annual US Air Force Lineman Rodeo. His career with Itasca Mantrap was a source of great memories made and close friendships grown during many years of service. A trip to New Zealand was complete with a bungee jump at age 63. He would quote that he had “many miles to go before we sleep”. But Grant’s heart and soul was in Northern MN. From his upbringing in Ponsford he grew lifelong bonds with family and many friends, gathering such stories along the way that were a joy to hear retold, often bringing tears of laughter to the listener as the gift of storytelling runs deep in the family. Grant’s wit and mischievous grin were impossible to resist. Quick with a smile and a joke, he was an expert in setting you up and reeling you in with a punch-line. He loved nothing more than spending time with those he loved, whether hunting or playing a mean game of cribbage or dice at the shack, all the while making those around him laugh and smile. Grant’s joyful spirit and twinkle in his eye will be immeasurably missed. His quiet unwavering Faith was constant and inspiring and he could often be heard saying, “Thank God for God!”
Grant is survived by his two daughters Amy (Robert) Pillsbury of Nevis MN, Amber (Scott) Nunn Lunsford of Portland OR; brothers Dick Nunn of Park Rapids, Pete (Georgia) Nunn of CA; sisters Pat Nevala of Menahga, Pam Siltila of Park Rapids; 6 grandchildren; and 3 great grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Lois Nunn of Ponsford and his Brother Jack Nunn of MI.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at Cease Family Funeral Home in Park Rapids. A private family funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. The service will be live streamed at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, on the church’s Facebook page. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. Arrangements by Cease Family Funeral Home. Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com