Joseph Glen Grange

When Joseph Glen Grange was asked about his secret for a happy and fulfilled life, he said, “Looking back on my life, I am grateful to my growing up on a farm with a large family and having to learn how to make do with what was available. I had to learn how to keep the farm machinery going. I learned how things worked and the value of working hard. Those abilities and my work ethic were at the core of all my successes.”

Joseph Glen Grange was born on February 9, 1928, in Huntington, Utah, to Ralph Grange and Myrl Johnson. Fourth of twelve children (four boys and eight girls), Joe grew up surrounded by the bustle and laughter of a big family.

Joseph became an Eagle Scout at age 14. Throughout his life he was a devoted mentor to the Boy Scouts of America and later helped his grandsons with their projects. He worked closely with many scouts on various merit badges and was especially known for his exciting rocket launches. Scouting was a lifelong passion for him.

On September 28, 1950, he married the love of his life, Shirley Swasey. Together they raised six daughters, and when his girls married, Joe loved to joke that he had finally gained some sons. From those unions came a family tree that flourished, giving him 22 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Joe’s family was very important to him, and looking at his legacy, it’s easy to see why.

While raising his girls, Joe served 21 years in the United States Air Force (USAF). He spent the first decade as a machinist, followed by a career in Electronic Countermeasures. His assignments took him to exotic locations such as Iceland, Taiwan, Germany, and Alaska during its territorial days. He participated in the Berlin Airlift and witnessed the entire history of the Berlin Wall – from its construction to the moment he chipped away a piece of it when the wall finally fell. He was also stationed throughout the United States, including Florida, Texas, Mississippi, California, Delaware, and Washington State. Joe received several military commendations for his inventive ideas, some of which are still used to this day. He always spoke of these experiences with deep pride, treasuring the memories the military gave him.

Upon retiring from the USAF, the Grange family moved to Springville, Utah, where he used the GI Bill to receive his bachelor’s in vocational education from Brigham Young University (BYU). He then moved with his family to Idaho Falls, Idaho, for a teaching position. While teaching, he continued his own education and received a master’s degree in industrial arts education, also from BYU.

Affectionally called “Grandpa Grange” by his students, Joseph taught Industrial Arts in Bonneville School District from 1971 to 1992. He loved teaching his students about multiple disciplines, like woodworking, photography, using a lathe, developing film in his darkroom, and running the school’s in-house radio station. As one of the school’s most well-liked teachers, he built strong, meaningful connections with both his students and the staff. He opened his classroom on Fridays during the lunch hour to make popcorn with his old-fashioned popcorn popper so that everyone could share his favorite snack. He often ran into former students who were excited to introduce their family to him, their favorite teacher, and thanked him for teaching skills that led to successful careers.

Throughout their marriage, Shirley and Joe had many hobbies. They enjoyed square dancing, and when they built their dream home in Shelley, Idaho, it was intentionally designed to accommodate square dance events. Since both Joe and Shirley taught school, they had their summers free to travel. Because of Joe’s military career, they could fly on military planes when space was available to destinations throughout the world. Their two youngest daughters traveled with them until they graduated from high school, after which Joe and Shirley continued to enjoy many trips together.

He loved exploring the world with his family, and his passion for travel and adventure never faded. After Shirley passed away in 1994, he married Mary Grange in 1996, and they shared many wonderful trips and adventures until her passing in 2002. He continued to travel with his daughters and grandchildren, making family a cherished part of his life. Following a COVID diagnosis in 2020, he split his time between his daughters’ homes, and enjoyed his grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, showing his love and making family a top priority.

Joseph was a husband, father, grandfather, great and great-great grandfather, brother, friend, Veteran, and man of faith. His legacy of love is carried on by his daughters: Marcene Carlton (Ray), Shyrlene Baum (Randy), Veldene Woodcook, Kathrene Kin, and Vaunene Thygerson (Scott). He is also survived by his siblings Janis Carlson (Gene), Margo Jones, and Deloris Tucker (Roy). He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Swasey, his wife Mary Grange, his daughter Jolene Lang, his sons-in-law Keith Woodcook and John Kin, and his grandchildren Alyssa Baum, Alexander Baum, Daniel Baum and Great Grandson Theron Grant.

He lived his life with determination, curiosity, and just enough mischievousness to keep things interesting. That combination made his journey not only remarkable, but unforgettable.”

The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the staff and residents at Fairwinds Sand Creek Retirement Community in Idaho Falls, Idaho, whose love and friendship brightened his life. While at Fairwinds, he continued to pursue his passion for woodworking, which delighted family and friends.

Joe will be interned next to his wife, Shirley, at Taylor Cemetery located at 720 E. 119 S. Idaho Falls, Idaho on November 26th at 9:00 a.m. with military rites. A Celebration of Life will be held the same day, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fairwinds Sand Creek Retirement Community, 3310 Valencia Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the Air Force Aid Society, http://www.afas.org

The family is under the care of Nalder Funeral Home.

*