Walter (Wally) James Granquist, 65, of Sturgeon Lake, Minn., passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, October 3, 2025. He was more affectionately known as Wally, Walt, Dad, or Uncle Wally. His untimely death leaves behind his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Granquist née Baun of Sturgeon Lake, Minn., and three amazing daughters, Meghan, Kelli, and Shannon Granquist of Hermantown, Minn. He is also survived by his two brothers, Dale Granquist of Franklin, Tenn., and Daniel (Danny) Granquist of Kerrick, Minn. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Granquist of Colorado and Barbara Lou Granquist née Murphy of Kerrick, Minn., and his grandparents, James and Irene Murphy nee Jensen of Kerrick, Minn.

In addition to his immediate family, "Uncle Wally" leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews:  Britni Granquist of Franklin  , Tenn., Evan Baun (Nikita) of Prague, Czech Republic, Arin Baun of Fort Collins, Colo., Lindsay Baun (Tony Schulte) of Nederland, Colo., Kelsey Baun (Kevin Warner) of Fort Collins, Colo., Darren Baun (Aundrea Westfall) of Dallas, Texas, Ruth Gladitsch (Daniel) née Kostohris of Buffalo, Minn., Teresa Richards (Zachary) née Kostohris of West St. Paul, Minn., Katherine Kostohris (Logan Dedden) of Inver Grove Heights, Minn, John Kostohris of Nashville, Tenn., Matthew Baun of Washington, D.C. and Andrew Kostohris of West St. Paul, Minn. He is also survived by Peggy's five siblings and their spouses: Michael (Julia) Baun, Valdosta, Ga., Lawrence (Elizabeth) Baun of Norfolk, Va., Robert (Mishelle) Baun of Fort Collins, Colo., Daniel (Linda) Baun of Marshall, Minn., Karen (Mark) Kostohris of Mexico Beach, Fla.

Wally was an animal lover who adopted and fostered many dogs and cats over the years. He was adored by his current "fur babies" Ogie, Leo, Patches, Sven, Nala, Crackers, and a "grand-kitty," Nash.

Wally was born to Richard and Barbara Granquist on May 2, 1960, in Sandstone, Minn., and was the oldest of three boys. He attended elementary school in Kerrick, Minn., and Askov High School in Askov, Minn. He studied welding at Pine Technical and Community College in Pine City, Minn. Wally was a very dedicated and committed employee throughout his long career. He was loved by his employers and co-workers, most recently at Cirrus Design Corporation in Duluth, Minn., where he worked for 22 years in various aircraft assembly positions.

On October 12, 1996, he married Margaret (Peggy) Baun in Pine City, Minn., and they eventually welcomed three wonderful daughters into their family. Wally was a loving, caring, and dedicated husband and father. He was very intentional about providing for his family, especially having overcome many difficulties from his past. He was an inspiration to many who knew him well, and he served as the anchor of his family over the years, always caring for those who needed him most. Wally never turned down a chance to serve when asked, and he could always be counted on. Those who knew him remember him for his kind heart and positive attitude.  Hidden behind a quiet, sometimes reserved personality was a witty sense of humor. He was always looking on the bright side of things and was a joy to be around.

His greatest legacy and joy in his life were his daughters. He was more than a proud father; he was a soccer coach, basketball coach, and the greatest fan of his girls. He skillfully mastered the art of "Dad jokes" and loved embarrassing them and making them laugh. Those who knew Wally well fondly remember the sparkle in his eyes when he poked fun at them or told one of his famous "Dad jokes."

When he wasn't laughing at his own bad jokes, he could be found watching the History Channel, airplane documentaries, or current events podcasts. He was a deep thinker and a very spiritual person, always pondering many things, including the meaning of life and his love for God. He enjoyed making puzzles, golfing, camping, doing yard work, and playing with his daughters, pets, and nieces and nephews.

A 6:30 p.m. Mass will be offered for Wally on Friday, October 10, 2025, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hinkley, Minn.  Graveside Burial Service will be held at Bruno Cemetery in Bruno, Minn., on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor be made to Carlton County Animal Rescue in Cloquet, Minn, or Animal Allies Humane Society in Duluth, Minn.