Grant Vernon Stabenow

Grant Stabenow, age 87, of Hastings, MN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 7, 2024. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Marylee, his children, Zachary (Jennifer), Jessica (Kris) Mager, Nathan (Vicki), and Benjamin, his grandchildren, Chase, Ethan, and Paige Stabenow, Eli, and Aria Mager, and all those whose lives he touched.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Mildred (Silvis) Stabenow; brother Kenneth; sisters Loretta Horstman, Arline Whipple, and Lorely Hattenberger. 

Visitation will be held 4-7 PM on Tuesday March 19, 2024, at Kok Funeral Home (7676 80th St. S.; Cottage Grove, MN). Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM on Wednesday March 20, 2024 at the Church of St. Rita (8694 80th St. S.; Cottage Grove, MN) with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Luncheon to follow service.

Grant dedicated his life to serving others. As an English major, he attended a volunteer fair, and in true Grant style, chose the booth with no line. This happened to be for a juvenile detention center, which led him to a 35-year career as a probation officer in Ramsey County. During his retirement years, Grant found his passion teaching English to adult immigrants and refugees.

Grant took immense pride in his family members. Whether it was Marylee’s business ventures, diverse career choices, or “do-gooding” endeavors, he gave his full support. He celebrated the passions and talents of his children, shaping their lives with his belief in their potential. A few favorite activities during their childhood were wrestling on the floor, playing his guitar, tending to his garden, rearing unusual pets, and having family meals around the table.

Grant shared his love of the outdoors with others by bringing them canoeing, biking, hiking, skiing, camping, and bird hunting. His love of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area was infectious, and he happily led over 30 trips with family and friends. A favorite restful spot was admiring the creek from his backyard deck while enjoying a cold beer with crackers and cheese. He was an avid crossword puzzler who worked in pen, even for the Sunday NY Times puzzle.

Grant’s stories and antics had everyone in stitches with tales he told countless times. He was known for his quirks like lugging his own cooler of beer to dry family gatherings, perpetually sporting a toothpick in the corner of his mouth, and stopping by a relative’s house just in time for dinner. Grant embraced life unapologetically, making others comfortable being themselves around him. Grant had a zest for life, especially when he tore up the dance floor at a wedding during a polka. Grant had many close friends who met regularly to joke with one another as well as to have deep discussions on politics, philosophy, and literature.

Grant and his wife of 53 years, Marylee, shared a passion for travel and exploration. Guided by their children, they ventured off the beaten path across Montana, Nevada, Wyoming, Nepal, Thailand, and Borneo. And during their retirement they embarked on numerous adventures traversing the globe to Croatia, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, Ireland, and Italy.

Grant's legacy of adventure, laughter, and authenticity will continue to live on in all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials in memory of Grant to be given to - Literacy Minnesota. Click Here to see more information.

For those who would like to participate in Grant's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM (CST).  It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin.  Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service.  If you are having troubles with the Livestream, please accept our apologies, but the service will be available to watch later in the day.