Henry M. Gran, 89, passed away on August 17, 2006, at the Carol's Country Cottages in Federal Way, Wash. He was born on August 17, 1917, to Theodore and Betsy Gran in Glasgow, Mont., as the fifth of nine children. He attended school in Glasgow and Miles City, Mont., where he graduated high school in 1935.

He had various jobs in Miles City until 1942, after his marriage to Ella Neumann, when they moved to Seattle and were employed at Boeing Aircraft Co. during World War II. Those not serving in the military were expected to contribute to their country's defense by working in agriculture or in a defense plant.

As the war was winding down, they moved to Billings, Mont., where he was employed by the BN Transport and continued to be employed there until being transferred to Seattle in 1971. After 35 years of employment, he retired in 1980.

Henry was a devout Christian and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines, Wash.

Graveside rites were scheduled for August 25, 2006, at Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Mont. A memorial service will be held Thurday, August 31, 2006, at 1:30 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 22975 24th Avenue South, Des Moines, under the direction of Bonney-Watson Federal Way Funeral Home, Federal Way, Wash.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gordon; two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ella; a daughter, Joyce; two grandchildren, Herb (Janelle) and Risa (Darrell); three great-grandchildren, Lindsay, Kassidy, and Zachary; two sisters, Myrtle and Helen; two brothers, Mel (Arlene) and Ted (Rose); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church.