Denis (Jean) Granger, age 88, of Knox, Indiana passed away January 4, 2023 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Denis was born September 26, 1934, in Montreal, Canada to Joseph and Aurelie Granger. He left Canada to work in the United States at the Indiana steel mills.
Denis was an iron worker for 46 years. His work took him from Alaska to Quebec to Indiana,, and from New York to Vermont. He worked on the Olympic Stadium for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Quebec and on the Sears Tower in Chicago (now the Willis Tower) which was at the time the world’s tallest building. He also constructed numerous bridges.
Denis was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Knox. He also was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved boating, traveling and tinkering on projects. He built four houses by himself in his lifetime, two in Indiana, one in New York, and one in Vermont.
Denis is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Lola M. Granger, a son, Pierre Granger (Sandi), daughter, Chantal Granger Burke, grandchildren, Stephanie Allen (Dennis), Erica McCarthy, Crystal Williams (Joe), Michelle Smith (Robert), Dennis Granger, Cameron Granger (Megan), and Lauren Aversa (Kaitlyn), great grandchildren, Alexa Allen, Isaac Allen, Jeremiah McCarthy, Ashton McCarthy, Ethan McCarthy, Braiden McCarthy, Emma DannerSmith, Lily DannerSmith, Solstice Granger, and Leo Aversa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Aurelie Granger, a son, Mike Granger, and a daughter, Linda Williams (John).
Denis will be remembered as a good friend to many in Knox, and in his home country of Canada.
Donations can be sent to Catholic Relief Services.
A memorial mass will take place on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 12 noon (CT) at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Knox. Arrangements are being handled by the M.C. Smith Funeral Home in Knox.
