Vernon George Ganyo, 91
Vernon George Ganyo at the age of 91 passed away on March 20, 2012 at the LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau, MN.
Vernon Ganyo was born in Graceton, MN on May 23, 1920, the son of George and Eleda (Carlson) Ganyo. He attended Graceton School until the 8th grade, and later went to work with his dad on the family farm between Graceton and Williams. He then managed a bar in Graceton, until he started working with his Dad (George Ganyo) in 1943 at Marvin’s Lumber & Cedar Elevator
On July 8, 1941, Vernon married Ione Huerd at the Catholic Parish in Warroad. Starting their family in Warroad, they bought his dad’s home, right next to the school, where they lived until they built their dream home in 1955 on Steenerson St. Vernon was proud that the fact he and his carpenter brother Robert Ganyo, who did most of the work built this home together.
When his dad retired from Marvin’s and went back to his farm in 1943, George Marvin asked Vern if he wanted the job of managing the Warroad elevator. The rest is history. He continued to manage not only Elevator #1 as well as the second elevator #2, during the harvest season. One thing he always loved is that he was Tut Marvin’s (his very good friend) boss when Tut first started at Marvin’s in the seed house. During the off season he worked at the Marvin Hardware Store, in which he later helped manage it as well. One thing Vern was never afraid of was work, and because of his dedication and loyalty to the Marvin’s (like many of the original employees); he was treated as part of the family. His retirement in 1990 was one of the hardest decisions he made, but family came first.
Vernon had many things he really enjoyed, but is two favorite were his lawn & garden and riding (hunting if legal) out in the woods. Gardening… WOW! I’m sure many of you had seen this large garden and wonder who he was feeding. But the fact it was large and his garden like his lawn always looked perfect, made him feel good. He liked it best when someone would walk by or come over and ask how he did it; they normally left with a sample of something from the garden.
Riding out in the country, for all his family (mom, sons and grandchildren) was always an adventure. We always will remember the trips, because we never knew where we were going or when we would be coming home. The thing that amazed all of us more than anything was he could tell you very road, trail and many names of people who used to live in the homes, whether it was north, south, east or west of town. Any of these trips where hunting or blueberry picking, both of which he loved to do. Many of the family members tell of stories, wondering if they would ever make it home, because he thought his car could go anywhere no matter how bad the road was. This meant we always at some time ended up having to cut trees and push our way out of trouble… which also made dad’s day.
He is survived by his children, Patricia Grover of Warroad, Richard (Margaret) Ganyo of Eagan, MN, George (Barbara) Ganyo of Warroad; sister, Pat (Gordon) Markstrom; grandchildren, Jill (Steve) Lewis, Lynn (Paul) Norberg, Jon Grover, Beth-Ann (Jason) Benson, Kristin (Mike) Larson, Scott (Penny) Foster, Darin (Paula) Foster, Damon (Danielle) Foster, Britton Ganyo, Chad (Holly) Erickson, Xan Kofstad; great-grandchildren, Katie Beckel, Kevin Beckel, Andrew Norberg, Ryan Norberg, Chelsea Norberg, Ellie Benson, Jack Benson, Carter Larson, Campbell Larson, Andy Foster, Tiffani Foster, Anthony Foster, Alyssa Cote, Brennen Foster, Zachary Foster, Gracie Foster, Erica Erickson, Jonnie Erickson, Owen Erickson, Ajay Kofstad, Cam Kofstad, Mya Kofstad.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George & Eleda; brother, Robert Ganyo; sisters, Edna Gorham and Frances Tiami; wife, Ione Ganyo; daughters, Bonita (Bunny) Foster and Cathi Erickson; Son-in-laws, Ralph Grover and R’Lynn “Wag” Erickson; great-grandson, Dylan Erickson; and brother-in-law, John Tiami.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Warroad, MN. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-7 PM with a 6:00 prayer service at Helgeson Funeral Home in Warroad. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
