Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, suddenly passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father at his home in Hayden, Idaho, on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013.

He was born Dec. 30, 1931, in Detroit, Mich., to George I. Granken and Doreen (Heins) Granken. He was the oldest of four children. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia (Bilinski) of 58 beautiful years and his children, Gary, Patricia (Paul) Bernard, Daniel (Heidi) and Lori (John) Dorsey. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret (Larry) MacKenzie of Royal Oak/Macomb, Mich.; brother Alfred (Margaret) of Chatham Ontario/Florida; and brother Gregory (Renee) of Waterford, Mich.; and 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and nephews and nieces.

Some of George’s work career included working for Fisher Body of Detroit where he was a wood pattern maker; he owned and operated a Gamble’s hardware store in Levering, Michigan and resided in one of four homes he built for his family throughout the years. His travels took him to Anchorage where he also built a home and was employed by the Archdiocese of Anchorage, in Alaska, for 13 years.

George’s favorite activity was spending time with his family. He had a passion for cooking, gardening, fishing, and especially woodworking in his garage. George always had a map at his side and was always ready to take his next road trip.

He will be missed by all those he touched in life by his humble, gentle spirit and his compassionate heart.

A memorial Mass was held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, at St. Pius X Parish, 625 E. Haycraft, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.