Gordon Gran

1934 - 2014

Gordon C. Gran

Born: Oct. 14, 1934; Chicago, IL

Died: June 16, 2014; McHenry, IL

Gordon Carter Gran, age 79, of Wonder Lake, died Monday, June 16, 2014, at Centegra Hospital - McHenry. He was born October 14, 1934 in Chicago to Carter and Viola ( Reller) Gran. On October 30, 1960 he married JoAnn Annette Borseth in Chicago.

Gordon attended Lane Tech High School and went on to graduate from the University of Illinois where he studied in their aviation program.

Gordon proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator, where he flew reconnaissance missions over the North Atlantic in the Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation. His military service was followed by a long career as a pilot with North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. From the classic Douglas DC-3, to the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, to the Airbus A320, Gordon's career experienced aviation's golden years and it's advancements with A320's electronic controls and glass cockpit. In all, Gordon's career spanned 35 years leading to his retirement in 1994.

Gordon had been a resident of Wonder Lake since 1962.

Gordon's passion was flying and maintaining his privately owned Cessna 172 and restoring Herman, his 1967 wooden Chris Craft. He also enjoyed boating and had an avid interest in antique boats and enjoyed Wonder Lake. He was a member of ACBS, Antique Classic & Boats Society and also a member of the Wonder Lake Kiwanis.

Survivors include Gordon's wife of 53 years, JoAnn; two sons, David (Sharon) Gran of Stafford, VA, Richard (Lori) Gran of Wonder Lake; eight grandchildren, Garrett, Kyle, Mark, Melissa, Adam, Ryan Richard, Ryan David, and Lindsey; and a sister, Carol Brett of Hawthorne Woods.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 23, 2014, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050. Visitation will resume at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, at the funeral home until the 10:00 a.m. funeral service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Woodstock, IL.

For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, his family suggests memorials to Paralyzed Veterans Association, 2122 W. Taylor St., Room 126, Chicago, IL 60612.

For more information, please call the funeral home at 815-728-0233, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends may leave an online condolence message for the family.