Grantlund (Grant) Jordan (2023)
BERHOW, BRAY, COLMAN, CROW, FABER, GOODSON, HANN, HOUSTON, JORDAN, PROFFITT
Posted By: Kathi Kuhl
Date: 12/17/2023 at 10:25:48
Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Iowa
December 16, 2023FEBRUARY 9, 1936 – DECEMBER 8, 2023
Grantlund (Grant) Earl Jordan, 87, of Winterset, passed away surrounded by his loving family at Mercy Medical Center on December 8th.
Born in Valley Junction, Iowa, on February 9th, 1936, to Bessie Lenore Houston and George Hanawalt Peterson Jordan, he will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. Grant inspired many with his dignity, character, knowledge, humor, and talents—both athletic and artistic.
A direct descendant of Senator James Cunningham Jordan, Grant carried on the legacy of his great-grandfather. Grant’s kindness and integrity continue to anchor the lives of his family and friends. Grant was a gifted athlete and wrestled in high school before going on to wrestle for Iowa State University, the U.S. Marine Corps, and San Diego State University. He also attended Drake University.
Grant married Anita Proffitt in 1957, and together they moved to San Diego, where they had three children: Pendance, Zoe, and Matthew. He worked as a lifeguard at San Onofre Beach and was among the first generation of surfers in California.
In 1959, Grant qualified as a wrestling captain for the Pan American Games, represented and regulated by the National Olympic Committee. Upon returning to Iowa, Grant coached gymnastics at the YMCA before beginning his career mentoring and counseling disadvantaged young men as a social worker for Orchard Place and Children & Families of Iowa. He was also integral in starting group homes for youth in need. Grant went on to spend 17 years working for Polk County’s Department of Public Works Weed Commission.
On September 28th, 1974, Grant married Martha Hann, settling in Madison County, where they recently celebrated their 49th anniversary. In retirement, he loved riding motorcycles (often with Martha in the sidecar), reading, traveling, watching sports, and appreciating art and music while spending time with his children, grandchildren and friends.
Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Martha Jordan, daughter, Pendance (Robert) Colman, daughter, Zoe Jordan, sister, Penny Bray, grandson, Jeremiah (Hayley) Crow, grandson, Joshua Crow, granddaughter, Jordan (William) Faber, granddaughter, Emma Colman, grandson, Charles Colman, granddaughter, Amanda (Ryan) Goodson, Kyle Jordan (Janelle Ketcher), nephew, Tim (Bles) Bray, great-grandson, Kale Crow, and great-granddaughter, Penrose Faber. Preceding him in death are his sister, Rae Anne Berhow, and son, Matthew Jordan.
A private celebration of life will be held at the Jordan House in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the West Des Moines Historical Society.
Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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