Obituary of Grant Wayne Hayes

Grant Wayne Hayes

December 6, 1937 — September 18, 2024

Duluth, MN

Grant Hayes joined his Finnish ancestors on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, at Essentia Health Duluth surrounded by loving family members. 

Grant was born in Grand Rapids, MN on December 6th, 1937 to Wayne & Helen (Dahl) Hayes of Bovey, MN. Growing up on the Iron Range along with sister Meredith and brother Keith, Grant learned to work hard, respect others, and revere his Finnish heritage. While Grant began his studies at Itasca Junior College and before receiving his Associates Degree, he took a break and served in the U.S. Army.. 

He had the good fortune to meet a stylish nurse from Lake City, MN and after 3 dates won her hand. Grant and Marge were married in 1961 and began married life in Minneapolis, while he completed his B.A. in Social Work from the University of Minnesota.  He also earned a M.S.W from the University of Iowa.

Grant brought his wife and their firstborn, Wayne, to Duluth and soon welcomed daughter, Susan. Grant worked for Saint Louis County Social Services, specializing in services for the elderly. He was greatly honored to have participated in LBJ’s “Great Society” Initiative Model Cities Program.

Grant and Marge built a life on Duluth’s Central Hillside focused around family life. They enjoyed a simple but good life filled with friends and family, crafts, outings, travel, walking hand-in-hand, and generous helpings of Bridgeman’s ice cream. Marge sparked Grant’s love for the Lake Superior Agate and lifelong passion as a rockhound. Grant learned to keep track of and cherish family ties from his father, learning about and connecting with family around the globe. He was a proud member of the Gramercy Park Co-op.

Grant is survived by his wife and constant companion, Marge, his son Wayne (Deborah) Hayes, daughter Susan (Doug) Jacobson; grandchildren Jahan (Katie) and Camran (Desiree) Hayes, Lia and Peter (Kelsey) Jacobson; brother Keith (Patricia) Hayes, brother-in-law George Jakovich many nieces, nephews and cousins.. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Meredith and nephews Barry Jakovich and Erik Hayes.

Visitation at 1pm & Memorial Service at 2pm, September 28 at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth MN.