Louia Roy Gransee
September 19, 1926 – August 13, 2016
Dr. Louia R. Gransee died just one month before his 90th birthday. Louia was born in Evansville, WI, the son of Paul and Ruby Gransee. He was raised on the family farm with a brother, Earl Gransee (deceased), and two sisters, Pauline Champion and Gwen Reese. He was married in 1949 to Dorothy Clothey, and they have four daughters: Martha Fernandez, Lucinda Chase, Elise Finney, and Jane Mergens. There are nine grandchildren and four who call him ‘Great Grandpa.’
He attended grades 1 through 8 at Moore School in Rock County, WI – a one-room school house, the oldest school building still in use in WI. He graduated from Evansville High School in 1943 where he was active in music and drama and President of the Junior Class. He was presented the American Legion Medal for Leadership upon graduation. He attended the University of Wisconsin Agricultural Short Course one winter and participated in the University operetta while there.
Louia entered Aurora (College) University in preparation for the ministry. During his college years, he participated in dramas, sang in a quartet, traveled on behalf of the college for promotional purposes, and was Student Body President in his Senior year. His name was listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities” and he received the Spartan Award. He continued his education, receiving his Master of Divinity in 1967 from Evangelical Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry in 1982 from Claremont School of Theology.
Following ordination in 1952, he served pastorates in DeKalb, IL (1952-1955), St. Louis, MO (1955-1961), Baraboo, WI (1961-1970) and San Diego, CA (1970-1993). After retiring, Louia served as Superintendent of the Southern District of the Western Advent Christian Association and was interim pastor at churches in Aurora, IL, Baraboo, WI, and Clovis, NM.
During his years of active ministry, he served in many capacities in the Advent Christian Denomination:
– Chairman of the National Board of Christian Education
– Chairman of the International Advisory Mission Committee of the Advent Christian General Conference
– Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee of the Advent Christian General Conference
– Member of the Mission Mexico Committee
Louia took an active part in the communities where he pastored. He always seemed to take a leadership role in these projects, receiving many awards along the way.
– Organizing the North Park Christian Service Agency
– First chairman of the Mid-City Council in San Diego
– A member of Optimist International in St. Louis and Baraboo, serving as Secretary/Treasurer and President
– Reactivating Boy Scout Troop #53 in North Park
– Clergy Advisory Committee of Sharp Hospitals and volunteer on-call chaplain
– Lion’s Club of North Park, serving as Secretary/Treasurer and President
A gifted life, a faithful servant of God has laid down his armor. He knew who he was and whose he was. He leaves a legacy that will influence many for the Kingdom of God.
