John William Gransee

1948 - 2026

John William Gransee, age 78, of St. Michael, Minnesota, formerly of Buffalo, Minnesota and Mercer, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 19, 1948, in Ripon, Wisconsin, to Gilbert and Lorraine (Gneiser) Gransee. He grew up in Ripon and graduated from Ripon High School with the Class of 1966. After high school, John had several jobs, including driving truck for Green Giant and car sales, and later built a successful career as an underwriter with American Family Insurance. It was during his time he met the love of his life, Cheryl, at a company retreat-an encounter that marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. A true outdoorsman, he had a deep love for hunting and fishing, with duck hunting being his favorite. He spent many seasons trapping and enjoyed the time spent at their family shack in Wisconsin. In recent years, John and Cheryl moved to Buffalo, Minnesota area to be closer to family, something that meant a great deal to them. John was a dedicated family man, known for his great sense of humor, wit and strong will. He always had a joke or story ready and easily entertained anyone near enough to hear them. John's faith was also very important to him, and he enjoyed being involved in the Church when he was able. He was most recently a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo. John is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl; parents, Gilbert and Lorraine Gransee; sister, Judith Keller; and brother-in-law, Craig Muntifering. He is survived by his sons, Ben (Julie) Gransee, Sam (Natalie) Gransee, and Adam (Sarah) Brenizer; grandchildren, Isabel, Nicholas, Nora, and Brielle; brothers-in-law, Marc (Jim Hagen) Muntifering, Ron (Colleen) Muntifering, Chris (Marsha) Muntifering; sisters-in-law, Patrice (Jon) Bogart, Susan (Tom) Evans, Ann (Bruce) Hanson, Mary Muntifering, and Jean (Jim) Elsenpeter; Cousins Lucy Poellinger, and Joyce Reinke; and many other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior and a luncheon to follow. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Rosendale Cemetery in Rosendale, WI. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to http://www.thepetersonchapel.com.