Randy Gene GRATTON

Randy Gene Gratton, 54, Northwood, ND, died Wednesday, July 20, 2005 surrounded by family at Northwood Deaconess Hospital. Randy was born June 24, 1951 to Alfred and Virginia (Lempe) Gratton in Northwood. He graduated from Larimore, ND, High School in 1969 and went on to attend the State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he got his degree in Electrical Technology. Randy married Janet Shide on July 27, 1974. They lived and farmed in rural Northwood, where they raised wheat, soybeans and corn. Randy was proud to farm his parents' land. He took care to keep his machinery well maintained and his farmstead in good order. Randy was a supervisor in Grace Township, served on the board of the Larimore Golf Course and the board of the Manitoba-North Dakota Zero Till Association. He was also a member of the Larimore United Methodist Church. Randy loved family gatherings where storytelling and friendly banter made many fond memories. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, bowling, and watching NASCAR and Fighting Sioux Hockey. He is survived by his wife Janet, Northwood; daughters Shanna Gratton, Northwood and Courtney Gratton, Northwood; mother: Virginia Gratton, Northwood, brother Terry (MaryBelle) Gratton, Larimore, ND; sister Becky (Keith) Rosenkranz, Fargo, ND; and 25 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Alfred Gratton and his grandparents. Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the Larimore United Methodist Church, Larimore, ND. Visitation: 5-7 p.m Friday, July 22, with a 7 p.m. prayer service held in the Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore. The Bakke Funeral Home, Larimore, ND, is handling the arrangements. Published in the Grand Forks Herald on 7/22/2005.