Dale W. Granger

Lansing, MI

Dale Granger, who travelled extensively during his lifetime, took his last journey on September 6, 2012, 96 years young. Born on July 18, 1916 in Durand, MI to Bertha and Arthur Granger, an engineer for the Grand Trunk Railroad, he grew up with the sound of trains in his ears. After graduating from high school he attended Michigan State College, receiving a degree in civil engineering. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and MSC’s ROTC program. He entered the U.S. Army in 1941 as a Second Lieutenant in the 33rd Headquarters, Detachment Special Troops, 4th Army, serving in the Aleutian Islands readying sites for the arrival of troops. His favorite and most humorous stories are from these days and included his creative strategies to procure provisions for his unit. He was honorably discharged as a Lt. Colonel in 1946, but remained in the Reserves until 1974. While in college, Dale met the love of his life, Wave Bowes. Married in 1944, they remained together until her death in 2005. Following his discharge from the Army, he was employed by the Landel Metropolitan District and as Lansing expanded, served as a district engineer managing water issues. He joined the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, traveling Michigan’s western shoreline to advise on critical erosion issues. During these travels, he found a property on Little Point Sable in Oceana County which he and Wave purchased in 1959. Together they enjoyed years of sunsets and the ever-changing look of Lake Michigan. He completed his work with the DNR as chief of the hydraulic division. In 1984, he answered the call to consult with the U.S. Corp of Engineers on the Pte. Mouillee State Game Area development project, creating and preserving over 4,000 acres of coastal wetlands on Lake Erie. Retirement did not slow Dale down. As a volunteer for the Capital Area Girl Scout Council, he was instrumental in the development of a new camping facility for Scouts near Greenville, MI. He and Wave volunteered with the Ingham Regional Medical Center, at McRee House and later Ingham’s Special Care Unit. As a prostate cancer survivor, he was a leader in Lansing’s prostate cancer support group and advised many men battling this disease. The Plymouth Congregational Church became he and Wave’s second family; both were very active. Dale served as a trustee and as a member of Plymouth’s building committee, instrumental in rebuilding Plymouth following the 1971 fire that destroyed the downtown church. As an usher he was always in the front entryway with his heartfelt greetings for all comers. As a long-time Dept. of Natural Resources employee, it was natural that he loved hunting and fishing. Many of his best friends shared this joy with him. He never met a dog he didn’t love and always had a biscuit or two in his pocket to make friends. The twinkle in his eye and his gentle manner will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon, son-in-law, Roderick Macdonald, and two loving pups, Shelby and Carey. A private internment is planned. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 22, 10:30 AM at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River, Lansing, with the Rev. Joy A. Baumgartner officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, 1712 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. The family is being served by Gorsline-Runciman, Lansing. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com