Arthur James Grandalen

Arthur Grandalen, 85, of Portland, ND, died peacefully on September 7, 2009, at Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND. Arthur James Grandalen was born January 2, 1924, at Portland, ND, the son of Bennie Sr. and Bertha (Erickson) Grandalen. He was baptized and confirmed at Aurdal Lutheran Church. Art graduated from Portland High School in 1941. After high school, he began a life-long career in farming. Art married Avis Ulland on March 4, 1944. Together they raised five daughters. They recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Art was an accomplished and respected farmer and mentor to many. He was instrumental in establishing the Portland Farmers Elevator Bean Division and was one of the first organizers of the Red River Bean Growers, the predecessor of the Northarvest Bean Growers Association. Art also helped create the North Dakota Edible Bean Council and served on the council for two terms, one as chairman. He served on the board of directors for Northern Crops Institute and Portland Farmers Elevator. In 1982, he received the NDSU Alumni Association Agriculturist Award. Art was active in his church having served in leadership positions and as Luther League Advisor. Hunting, fishing and restoring antique tractors were Art’s favorite hobbies. He is survived by his wife, Avis; daughters Patty McDonald, New Brighton, MN; Gail (Merle) Strand, Portland, ND; Paula (Luther) Simley, West Fargo, ND; Kari (Jon) Bakkum, Mayville, ND; and Kelly (Mike) Bradner, Portland, ND. Grandchildren Bruce (Cindy) Malwitz, Tanya Malwitz, Mike McDonald, Andy (Anita) Strand, Jason Strand, Scott (Judi Novotny) Simley, Jeff Simley, Jill Bakkum, Kristen Bakkum, Peter Bakkum, Bennie Bradner, Anna Bradner, Jack Bradner, and Kate Bradner. Great-grandchildren Jennifer and Bradley Malwitz, Dakota Malwitz, Trevor and Connor Strand, and Lexi and Kali Simley. He is also survived by a sister Burnette Domier, Galesburg, ND, and brothers Marvin (Ginny) Grandalen, Cowley, WY, and Bennie (Patty) Grandalen, Portland, ND, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Art was preceded in death by his parents and brother Orville Grandalen. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Friday, September 11, 2009 at Aurdal Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Visitation: 5-7PM Thursday, September 10, 2009 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Baker Funeral Home, Mayville, and one hour prior to the funeral service, at the church. Interment: Aurdal Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Portland, ND.