Vincent Luther Granquist

Vincent Luther Granquist, age 58 of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Northfield Hospital.

Vince Granquist was born in New York City on August 14, 1967. His parents Luther Granquist and Nedra Granquist moved the family shortly after that to Michigan. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan remained a place he loved. While visiting, he batted rocks with sticks into Lake Superior, ate pasties, picked blueberries, and gathered with family. The family then moved to South Minneapolis. As a boy, Vince loved being a big brother to Ben and Edward. He often said that stupid things are better with your brother.

Vince graduated from South High School and began his college education path. He served in the Air Force with the Military Police in Anchorage, Alaska. He made lifelong friends during his tenure and especially loved that he could fish for salmon and hunt during his service.

Shortly after high school, his first big bike adventure was a ride across America from the West Coast to the East Coast. His love for bicycling continued throughout his life. Every year he set mile and ride goals for himself and he enjoyed upgrading his bikes and equipment. He could always be counted on to be at the local gravel and fat bike events and enjoyed the weekly Tuesday Night Gravel rides in Northfield. He went to bike races across the country to be with the biking community.

This year his goal was to ride the DAMN (Day Across Minnesota). Although he couldn't complete it by himself this year because of medical issues, he joined a relay team organized by his brother Ben and they successfully completed the ride. He told everyone it was a great idea, not a good idea.

Vince met Paula at a bookstore in the mall where he was working as a security guard. Their first date was for pie and coffee. Vince and Paula were married and lived in Iowa and then returned to Minnesota. They were blessed with twins Erick and Ingrid. He loved being a dad and was proud of every little success and parented with humor and love.

At home, Vince became the family pie baker. He only made rhubarb pie (tart so your lips puckered) and blueberry pie. He believed that pie was not only for dessert, but also a breakfast food.

He started his career at Principal Financial in the construction business while he studied engineering at Iowa State. After he graduated, he joined Dakota Electric as an electrical engineer and then earned his Professional Engineer License. As the demand for renewable energy expanded, he and his co-workers formed Consulting Engineers Group. The company is an industry leader in wind and solar energy and battery energy storage systems. Together the partners built a successful company and a great place to work. Vince was proud of his entire CEG team and loved supporting and celebrating everyone's growth and successes.

He had a zest for life and enjoyed a cold drink and a good story. His was known for his sharp wit, dry humor and brilliance. He appreciated a good comic strip, a loud movie, a good golf shot, and two crust dinners – a Yooper pasty and pie. He had way of coming up with the perfect line and always left you with a story and a smile.

In his last week on Earth, Vince launched the kiddos off to college and started planning for the next chapter, the next step in a joyful life.

On his last day on Earth, he spent time outdoors mowing the lawn while listening to a podcast, went for a bike ride, and stopped for a beer at a local brewery. Rest in peace our beloved Vince.

Vince was preceded in death by his mother Nedra Granquist.

A celebration of Vince's life will be held at 2 PM, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the First United Church of Christ in Northfield. Military honors will follow the service outside the church and a reception will follow honors inside the church. Vince's favorite pies will be served with coffee. The reception will continue with drinks and pasties at Imminent Brewing in Northfield from 5-8 PM. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield.

Expressions of sympathy may include honorary donations or cards. Vince might suggest you go for a bike ride, throw a frisbee, swing a golf club or spend time outdoors. You might also give generously to your community with your time, talent, or support or gather around the table with friends and family and share a story and a laugh.

Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com