Charles Herman Grano, 92. passed away from natural causes on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa.
Charles was born February 4, 1924, in St. Paul, Minn., to Frank and Bertha (Spielman) Grano. In 1943 at the age of 18, he began his career as a motor machinist in a standard landing craft platoon in the United States Navy. He served most of his Navy career in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines during World War II. Charles earned numerous medals, including the American Theatre, Asiatic Pacific Battle Star, Philippine Liberation Battle Star, and Victory Medal.
Charles married Irene Itzen on December 26, 1946, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Charles and Irene had one daughter, Betty Jean (Grano) Eggers. They lived in Pittsville, Wis., until 1954 and then moved to Nekoosa, Wis. During this time, Charles took some correspondence courses in construction estimating and contracting and used the knowledge to build three houses for his family. He worked for the Nekoosa Paper Mill for over 37 years. In 1995, ten years after his retirement, the couple moved to Eagle River, Wis. Irene died suddenly at home on October 10, 1999, at the age of 71. Charles was a very caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his daughter, Betty Jean (Grano) Eggers of Decorah, Iowa, and grandson, Scott Charles Will of Chicago, Ill.
Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family.
Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com.