Lauren Gerald Granmo, 76

Lauren Gerald Granmo, 76, passed away early Friday morning, Oct. 12, 2007, at his home in Kalispell. He was born on Aug. 12, 1931, in Missoula, to Andrew and Lillie (Schoholm) Granmo.

Lauren moved with his family to Kalispell when he was a sophomore. After graduating from Flathead High School in 1949 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in Guam and Washington D.C. Lauren was honorably discharged in 1954.

Upon returning to Kalispell, he met Theora "Teddy" Paola at Penney's; they were married on Aug. 7, 1955, in Kalispell. The couple then moved to Bozeman where they both attended Montana State University. At that time their son John was born in 1956.

Lauren graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1959. He worked in several locations throughout the United States, Canada and Europe over the next 10 years; most notably for Honeywell, developing the Autopilot for the F104.

Returning to Kalispell in 1965, Lauren worked for his father-in-law at John Paola, Inc., a contracting company, until he and Teddy purchased the KM Gift and China Shop in 1973. They operated the store until 1985.

Lauren last worked with Morrison & Maierle before retiring in 2005 due to health reasons.

He served in many service organizations over the years and was well respected for his time on the Kalispell City Council. He and Teddy loved to travel and had opportunities to visit Central and South America as well as Canada and Alaska.

Lauren is survived by his wife of 52 years, Theora "Teddy" Granmo, of Kalispell; and a son, John Andrew Granmo, of Seattle; granddaughter, Tyfanie Marie Granmo of Bozeman; one brother, Delmar Granmo of Whitefish; and a sister, Diane Hall of Missoula. He is also survived by very special friends, Christopher and Tamela Galloway.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Rusty Halaas officiating. Burial will follow in the Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, at Johnson Mortuary.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to the Dialysis Clinic Patient Fund, 135 Commons Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Lauren's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Lauren's guest book.