Peter Karl Grantz

In Loving Memory of Peter Grantz (June 4th, 1958–May 28, 2025)
Peter Karl Grantz
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peter Grantz, who died peacefully on May 28th, 2025, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer. He was 66 and leaves behind a legacy of resilience, brilliance, and boundless generosity.
Peter was most at home on the land where he was raised in Shelby, Michigan, a place he remained deeply conected to throughout his life. Among his favorite places on earth was the Grantz Farm, which recently celebrated its centennial year. He proudly offered tours to anyone curious enough to ask-guests inevitably left with a deeper appreciation for the orchards he loved. Every June, Peter was a fixture at Hart's Asparagus Festival, always eager to sample the latest in asparagus cuisine and often experimenting with recipes at home-sometimes with famously mixed results. In addition to his stewardship of the farm, Peter was a devoted environmental advocate.
He met his beloved wife, Jean, while attending Central Michigan University from 1976 to 1979. After graduation, they married and settled in the Detroit suburbs. Together they raised three children, and Peter was always in the stands, paper in hand, quietly taking stats from the bleachers. Peter and Jean celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary in 2024.
Professionally, Peter spent more than 38 years as a trusted adviser to the Crain family at Crain Communications, most recently serving as General Counsel. His wisdom, loyalty, and clear-eyed judgment earned him enduring respect and trust throughout the organization.
An avid fan of Detroit sports, Peter took great joy in most recently seeing the Detroit Lions finally reach the playoffs. He also was fiercely invested in Big Ten rivalries and was thrilled to watch Michigan football advance to win the national championship. As a high school athlete, his mile time stood as a school record for 50 years-a quiet source of pride he was always happy to share.
Peter also made a profound contribution to the future of cancer care. As the first patient at the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital to undergo CAR T-cell therapy, he became part of a groundbreaking clinical trial that extended his life and allowed him to reach a deeply personal goal: walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. His courage and participation helped pave the way for others battling the disease.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Nathalie and Joseph Grantz; his brother, Jim Grantz; his in-laws, Magdaline and Joseph Otte; and his brother-in-law, Ed Otte. He is survived by his wife, Jean; their children, Jordan (Cody), Heather (James), and Keara/Bear; his brother George (Bonnie) Grantz; his in-laws Tony and Marian Horenziak; and many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues whose lives he touched with quiet depth and unwavering kindness.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute, St. Owen's Church, the Girl Scouts, or that you consider supporting your local farmers, planting a tree, or simply performing an act of kindness in Peter's honor.
A private Celebration of Life is scheduled for later this summer. He will be deeply missed.