Obituary of Fern Darlene McGranahan

    Fern Darlene McGranahan, daughter of Marvin and Hulda (Storm) Dorman, was born on June 23, 1929 in Hartley, IA. She lived her entire life in Sanborn, IA until her death on May 25, 2017, spending her last few years as a resident of Prairie View Campus.
    As a child, Fern’s family spent many summers at the Lake Okoboji where her dad worked. Fern went to school in Sanborn and graduated from Sanborn High School in 1947. Following her graduation, she went to work as a telephone operator in Sheldon, IA, riding the train back and forth.
    On September 21, 1952, Fern was united in marriage to Daryle Franklin McGranahan. They spent their married life in Sanborn where they raised two children. Early in their married life they could be seen around the county, as well as downtown Sanborn, selling popcorn from their popcorn trailer. Later, they opened a decorating store in the garage of their residence in the 1960s. This business continued to flourish and eventually, they moved “Daryle’s Decorating” to main street Sanborn,  operating as a one-stop home decorating store. They also purchased and operated the local laundromat for many years, retiring in 1988.
    Fern was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sanborn where she served as a teacher for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also participated in Greg and Pam’s activities as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout Leader. She treasured spending time with her family and friends, looking forward to coffee time and long visits.
    Fern had a love for life and treasured special times with her family. She    enjoyed dancing; lighting up the room with her smile while Daryle twirled her around the floor. Fern had several hobbies and interests, including crocheting, quilting, gardening, crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She also enjoyed the occasional fishing trip and going camping with family and friends.
    Left to cherish her memory are her children: Gregory McGranahan of Custer SD, Pamela (Mike) Dummett of Sanborn, IA; three grandchildren: Tyler (Amy) Dummett, Michele Dummett, and Tasha (Jay) Koedam; four great-granddaughters: Hayley, Carly, Theron and Harper; her brother, Marlow Dorman; sister, Donna (LeRoy) Alons; and many other relatives and friends. 
    Preceding her in death were her husband, Daryle; her parents, Marvin and Hulda Dorman; brother, Kenneth Dorman; daughter-in-law, Helen McGranahan; along with many other cherished relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life

Fern Darlene McGranahan

Born ~ June 23, 1929 
Died ~ May 25, 2017
Age ~ 87 years    11 months    2 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
10:30 a.m.
St. John's Lutheran Church
Sanborn, Iowa

Clergy ~ Pastor Joseph Bangert
Organist ~ James Clausen

Congregational Singing
Processional ~ "Just As I Am, Without One Plea"  #570
                     "Amazing Grace"  #744
Recessional ~ "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"  #770

Pallbearers
Rodney Alons    Scott Alons    Tyler Dummett
Jay Koedam    Randy Lyman    David Wingate

Ushers
Roger Brinkert ~ Les Storm

Interment
Roseland Cemetery
Sanborn, Iowa