Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 3, 1953
Date of Death:
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Age:
72 years old

Grant Dickison

Grant Fred Dickison, age 72, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. His final days were spent surrounded by family. Always the life of the party and never the first one to leave, Grant held on as long as he could.

He was born on May 3, 1953, in Sauk Centre, MN to Verlan and Shirley Dickison. The family later settled in Waite Park, where Grant quickly became a local legend. Known for his disarming wit, magnetic charm, and a knack for stirring up just the right amount of trouble, his reputation always preceded him. Every time he returned home, he ran into people who knew him-Grant had a way of making an impression that never faded.

In 1976, Grant married the love of his life, Donna Weisenberger and together they raised two sons, Ryan and Troy. The family eventually settled in Rochester in 1987 where they built a life filled with love, hard work, fun, and deep friendships. A natural-born salesman, Grant spent much of his career selling plumbing equipment throughout southeastern Minnesota, working for Globe, First Supply, and Goodin Company. Just like back in Waite Park, he seemed to know someone everywhere he went-and even if he didn’t, that never stopped him from striking up a conversation and making a connection. After retiring, he joined Troy at his storage facility, where he brought his signature warmth, a piece of chocolate, and a friendly word to every customer. He loved that job and took great pride in making people smile.

Grant was a hands-on dad who coached his boys and often stirred up more mischief at tournament hotels than the kids. He and Donna shared a passion for Harley-Davidsons and took countless trips with their best friends, David and Helen Brandrup, including a memorable ride to Milwaukee for Harley’s 100th anniversary. His hard work earned them many all-inclusive vacations over the years, and they shared unforgettable adventures with the Brandrups, Curtis family, and Kallas. One of Grant’s favorite traditions was treating Ryan and Troy’s families to weeklong summer getaways at Ten Mile Lake in Hackensack, MN-filled with fishing, jet skiing, bonfires, and plenty of laughs. In retirement, Grant and Donna wintered in Panama City Beach, FL, and in 2025, discovered a second favorite retreat in Lake Havasu, AZ. Their door was always open to the boys and grandbabies-because for Grant, family wasn’t just a priority, it was everything.

Grant was a fighter-tough, determined, and full of grit. After being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2012, he faced each health challenge with resilience and grace. His family often joked that he was like a cat with nine lives-and he used every one of them. Over the past four months, he met adversity with kindness, never once complaining or feeling sorry for himself. He sincerely thanked every nurse, doctor, and therapist who cared for him. Grant didn’t need more-he was simply grateful for what he had and made the most of every day.

Above all, Grant was a family man. He adored his “Donna Girl,” who stood faithfully by his side through every high and low. Over the past four months, she never left him-her love and devotion giving her the strength to show up for him every single day. He loved his sons-“RJ” and “Troy Boy”-his daughter-in-law “Melissa Girl,” and Ryan’s partner Angie. But his greatest joy was being “Papa” to his five grandsons: Devyn, Tanner, Brant, Jakob, and Henrik. Grant was endlessly proud of the incredible fathers his sons had become, a reflection of the example he set. Whether picking the grandboys up from school, working on projects, going fishing, or cheering from the sidelines, Grant gave them his whole heart-and boy, did they all love their Papa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Donna; his sons Ryan (Angie) and Troy (Melissa); grandsons Devyn, Tanner, Brant, Jakob, and Henrik; and his sisters Marsha AKA “Emma”(Leon), his twin bestie Gwen (Tom), Janelle, and his “sassy redheaded little sister” Jodi (Bob). He was preceded in death by his parents, Verlan and Shirley, and beautiful grandniece Mirabelle. Grant was adored by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family-he was the life of the party at every family gathering, and everyone felt the warmth of his big heart and larger-than-life spirit.

Grant was a man of deep faith who found comfort in his belief in the Heavenly Father. In his final weeks, he often spoke of reuniting with “Ma” and going fishing with “Pa”-a thought that brought him peace and, in turn, comforted his family.

Grant lived life to the fullest-endlessly positive, deeply loving, and always focused on what truly mattered. His best days were spent poolside or on the beach with a Corona in hand, good music on the speaker, surrounded by his “homies” or his family. He reminded us all that the good life isn’t about what you own-it’s about who you love and the memories you create.

He was the best husband, dad, Papa, brother, son, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend-and he will be missed beyond measure.

The Dickison family is deeply grateful for the love and support shown over the past several months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help cover medical and funeral expenses.