Obituary of Gerald Lester Granley

Gerald “Gerry” Lester Granley passed away peacefully on Nov. 19, 2024, just one day after marking his 80th birthday with his beloved family.

Born in Duluth, MN, on Nov. 18, 1944, to Lester and Frances (Brophy) Granley, Gerry grew up in Carlton, MN. He graduated from Carlton High School in 1962, where he played varsity basketball, was part of the “Future Teachers of America” Club and built lasting friendships. The quote under his picture in his senior yearbook says, “In athletics, he is really neat and for a friend, he can’t be beat.” He then earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University in 1966, followed by a master’s-equivalent degree in special education.

It was in Bemidji where Gerry met the love of his life, Carol, at the drive-in movie theater. They married in 1967, and later that year, Gerry began his teaching career in Glencoe, MN. In 1970, they moved to Cloquet, MN, where they raised their three children and lived in the same house for more than 50 years.

A dedicated teacher, coach and colleague, Gerry spent 30 years with the Cloquet School District. After retiring in 1999, he enjoyed running into former students. It was apparent from those interactions that he touched the lives of many people during his years at Churchill and Washington elementary schools and the Cloquet Middle School.

A lifelong fisherman, he took great pride in his Lund boat and spent countless hours on Minnesota lakes, as well as annual fishing trips to Canada. He generously passed on his passion for fishing, recently outfitting several family members and friends with tackle boxes filled with his own gear that he’d amassed through the years so they could continue making memories on the water.

Gerry was also an avid reader, enjoyed watching sports (especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings) and had a particular fondness for Coca-Cola and Cheerios. But above all, Gerry’s greatest source of joy was his family. He once said he did not need to gamble, as he had already won the lottery with his loved ones.

Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Carol; son, Chris (Marcia) Granley, Boyceville, WI; daughter, Sarah (Jaye) Peterson, St. Paul, MN; son, Jered (Mindy) Granley, Duluth, MN. He was the very proud grandfather of six: Lynnsey (Brett) Blaser, Lucy Peterson, Jake Granley, Charlie Peterson, Everett Granley and Isaak Granley. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Ella and Rhett Blaser, and several extended family members and special friends close to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Frances Granley and brother Dale Granley.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Aspirus St. Luke’s Oncology and Ecumen Hospice for their compassionate care during Gerry’s journey with pancreatic cancer.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to be made to the Cloquet Public Library or Aspirus St. Luke’s Oncology in Duluth.