Philip Maurice GRATTON

Philip Maurice Gratton, 84, rural Northwood, died Tuesday August 2, 2005 at the Deaconess Health Center at Northwood, ND. Philip M Gratton was born on March 28, 1921 in Grace Township, Grand Forks County the son of Fred and Martha Gratton. He graduated from Logan Center High School in the rural Kempton area and later married Freda Swanson on June 20, 1948 in Larimore, ND. Phil was raised and had farmed all of his life in Grace Township until retiring in 1986. He enjoyed spending time in his shop being creative,working with iron and wood, and gardening, playing cards, deer hunting and spending time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phil served on the Grace Township Board and the School Board for many years. Phil is survived by his wife, Freda; son Jeff, Northwood, ND; three daughters: Connie (Bruce) Gravdahl, Northwood, ND; Susan Murphy, Fargo, ND; and Colleen Gratton, Fargo, ND; seven grandchildren: Laura (Marlin) Thoreson, Grand Forks, ND; Kristy (Brandon) Erickson, Duluth, MN; Jesse (Fianc¨e, Jessica Adams, Fargo, ND) Gravdahl, Northwood, ND; Shelby (Arrick) Olson, St. Paul, MN; Kelly (Chris) Raimo, West Fargo, ND; Raquel Green, Bismarck, ND; Shane (Natalie) Green, Grand Forks, ND; five great-grandchildren: Riley Thoreson, Daniel and Hayley Erickson, Evie Olson, Vaughn Raimo; sister Alma Sheggerud, Minneapolis, MN and many nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Louie, Alfred, Harold; sisters: Emma, Lucille, Evelyn (Babe), Irene, Beth and Laurie. Visitation: Thursday, August 4, 2005 from 5-7 p.m at Brown Funeral Home with Prayer service to follow at 8 p.m at St. Stephens Catholic Church, Larimore, ND. Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, August 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m in St. Stephens Catholic Church, Larimore, ND. The Interment will be in the Bellevue Cemetery, Larimore, ND. Arrangements with Brown Funeral Home, Larimore, ND Published in the Grand Forks Herald on 8/4/2005.