Obituary: Grandel, Thomas R.
Age 83
He was born on October 27, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio to Thomas and Amelia Grandel.
Tom grew up on the south side of Chicago, then joined the US Navy.
While stationed in Key West, he met and married Margaret Carney and also developed a love of the sea.
The two returned to the Chicago area where Tom was a Mechanical Engineer while he and Margaret raised five children.
They retired to Big Fork, MT.
After Margaret’s passing, Tom moved to Spokane, where he met his close companion, Leona Frick, with whom he enjoyed his last years.
Tom loved saltwater fishing, boating, model ship building and cooking.
Tom had an exceptionally sharp mind and wit, a passion for shooting, fishing, hunting and the ability to build or fix almost anything.
But most of all, he will be remembered for his care and love of his family.
Tom is preceded in his death by his wife of 47 years Margaret Carney Grandel.
He is survived by his dear companion of 13 years Leona Frick; his children, Gail (Russ) Roy of Richmond, TX, Lynn (Bruce) Jolicoeur of Spokane, WA, Dawn (Mark) Haisley of Colorado Springs, CO, Russell (Mary Ellen) Grandel of Palmer, AK and Jane (John) Wich of Spokane, WA; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be on Wednesday May 20, 10:30AM at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Spokane, WA; a Mass service will follow at 11:00AM.
Committal services will be at 11:30AM on Friday, May 22 at St. Michael Archangel Catholic Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the VA of Spokane or the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be expressed at hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.