Grant Lucia

Son of the late Raymond William and Lucille Dorothy (Langlois) Lucia, Grant was born on Aug. 20, 1934 at Lying-in Hospital in Chicago. He graduated in 1953 from Cathedral Boys’ High School in Springfield, Ill.

In February of 1957 Grant enlisted with the U.S. Army, serving two years at Fort Hood, Texas as an administrative specialist. He also worked at Tomahawk Lumber, Keebler Cookie (Colorado), Lucia Distributing Co. (Springfield), City of Niagara, Dunham Delivery, elderly volunteer and ATP pilot and instructor at Ford Airport in Kingsford, MI.

On Aug. 1, 1964 Grant married the love of his life, Beatrice “Nancy” Wenzelow at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk, Wis. They were married for 55 years until her unexpected passing on April 21, 2020.

Grant was a faithful member of the Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, which he was a district deputy and 4th degree Honor Guard. He enjoyed singing in the American Martyrs Church Choir, in his quartet and with family. He loved spending time outdoors whether it was walking his beloved companion (Buddy), bird watching, swimming and spending time at the family cottage in Tomahawk where he grew up and water skiing, which he was still able to do at his 60th birthday party. Grant also enjoyed going to the EAA show in Oshkosh, typing, reading, and solving puzzles. Grant’s dedication to faith, family and community will be deeply missed.

Grant is survived by his eight children: Dawn (Jim) Kelly, Eric (Jess) Lucia, Scott Lucia, Maria (Dave) Smith, Laura (Rory) Starnes, Chris (Sally) Lucia, Steve (Stacy) Lucia and Ben (Toni) Lucia; 13 grandchildren: Dane (Kendra) Kelly, Brant Kelly, Eric Jr., Brett Lucia, Willy Diaz, Amanda Kiszonas, Jeffery Kiszonas, Carrie (Mike) Racicot, Michael (Celia) Lucia, Debbie Starnes, Bradley Lucia, Shantel Lucia and Finnik Lucia; 15 great-grandchildren: Kinley, Dawson, Payton, Brandi, Maryjane, Pauldavid, Jesse, Aria, Malachi, Shia, David, Daniel, Alexandria, Madelynn and Remi; three siblings: Lurae Obey, Bruce (Gill) Lucia, and Paul (Donna) Lucia and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Grant is preceded in death by his wife, parents and three brothers: Raymond, Don and Dale.

Grant’s family would like to acknowledge and give a special thanks to all of the people that touched his life. To name a few; American Martyrs Catholic Church, VA Hospital and Home Health team, Aspirus Hospice team, Deb and Harold Bell, Venisa and JT Leslie, Gabe Sales, Teddy Johnson and Billie Jo Crowley for the many years of care and friendship they gave.

The whole family would also like to extend an extra special thank you to Grant’s daughter-in-law Jessica. She has gone above and beyond the last four years to make sure he was taken care of as he suffered from dementia and metastatic melanoma. She spent every minute making sure he was fed very well, had his medicine and all medical treatment needed and was able to stay in his home where he was most comfortable with his dog, family and all that was familiar to him. We will never be able to repay you for your kindness and dedication.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Grant online at: www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday June 27 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., Iron Mountain. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford, with Msgr. Joseph Gouin officiating. Burial will be in the Homestead-Aurora Cemetery.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.