Gordon Carter Gran

Gordon Carter Gran, 79, Wonder Lake, died Monday, June 16, 2014, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry.

He was born Oct. 14, 1934, to Carter and Viola ( Reller) Gran in Chicago. 

On Oct. 30, 1960, he married JoAnn Annette Borseth in Chicago.

He attended Lane Tech High School and graduated from the University of Illinois, where he studied aviation.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a naval aviator flying reconnaissance missions over the North Atlantic in a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation. His military service was followed by a long career as a pilot with North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines and Northwest Airlines. From the classic Douglas DC-3, to the McDonnell Douglas DC-9, to the Airbus A320, Gordon’s career experienced aviation’s golden years and its advancements with the A320’s electronic controls and glass cockpit. In all, his career spanned 35 years leading to his retirement in 1994.     

He had been a resident of Wonder Lake since 1962. His passion was flying and maintaining his privately owned Cessna 172 and restoring Herman, his 1967 wooden Chris Craft. He also enjoyed boating and had an avid interest in antique boats, and he enjoyed Wonder Lake.  He was a member of ACBS, Antique Classic & Boats Society, and also a member of the Wonder Lake Kiwanis.     

Survivors include his wife of 53 years; two sons, David (Sharon) Gran, Stafford, Va., and Richard (Lori) Gran, Wonder Lake; eight grandchildren, Garrett, Kyle, Mark, Melissa, Adam, Ryan Richard, Ryan David and Lindsey; and a sister, Carol Brett, Hawthorne Woods.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation was June 23 at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry. The funeral was June 24 at the funeral home. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery, Woodstock.

Memorials can be made to Paralyzed Veterans Association, 2122 W. Taylor St., Room 126, Chicago, IL 60612.