Obituary
Julie Ann Gran
Julie Ann Gran—born on August 30, 1951, to loving parents, Richard and Beverly (Stark) Morkwed in La Crosse, WI, reborn by dedicating her life to Jesus Christ as a teenager at Outlaw Bible Ranch in South Dakota, and forever after faithfully serving Jesus—went to her final and eternal Home on July 6, 2026.
Julie was the eldest of three daughters, a role she took seriously by being an incredible big sister to Mari and Laurie. In doing so, she found her passion of loving and caring for children, babysitting for other families from an early age on, in particular the Boardman family boys along with the babies Delvin and Ethel fostered. Oh, how she loved babies.
At the age of 16, Julie attended Handel’s Messiah at Luther College with her church choir. The church director was also the Onalaska High School choir director. (Just setting the scene.) There was a young, handsome man from OHS, Greg Gran, who seemed twitterpated with Julie and she with him. Upon arriving home, she floated into the house promptly informing her mom she met the boy she was going to marry. Their year of engagement found Greg deployed to Vietnam in the Air Force. Able to communicate through ham radio operators, we heard Julie repeatedly say, “I love you… Over.” Within two weeks of returning from deployment, on June 13, 1970, Julie’s words to her mom came to fruition as Julie and Greg started their lifelong journey as husband and wife. Until death did they part.
During the years, Julie worked at several different occupations including banking, office/secretarial positions and as church secretary at Trinity Lutheran Church (she said she truly enjoyed working with and for Pastor Ernie Nelson).
Julie believed her greatest calling was being Greg’s wife and a loving mother to Matthew and Eric. As the boys became men, the family grew to include eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She often said she had everything she ever wanted—a loving husband, her boys, and the family that continued to grow around them. She also had a special relationship with her nieces and nephews, each one feeling “Auntie Juice’s” warmth, love and back scratches/tickles with her long, perfectly manicured nails.
As Julie and Greg became more involved at First Free, so began the interaction with several of the Pastors’ families, becoming involved with their young children and being “adopted grandparents.” Two of the pastors, Ashley Kershner, leading worship for her service, and Jon Reiner officiating her farewell service, are two of the families richly impacted by her love and care. And in return, Julie felt wanted and needed by caring for the little ones.
Julie will lovingly be remembered for her strong faith in Jesus, a smile that came directly from her heart, hosting gatherings with family and friends, making beautiful quilts she gifted to many, wonderful treats like Scotcharoos, a card game of Hand and Foot or Golf, “Thirsty Thursdays” with Abi and Adi, or watching a “new” episode of the black and white Westerns with Greg.
Julie leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Greg; their two sons, Matthew (Kim) Gran and Eric (Allison) Gran; grandchildren, Kyle (Maggie) Gran and their sons, Jaxon and Taron; Kirsten Gran; Elise Gran; Maxwel Gran (Rachel Lomeli); Vincent Moscatello; Amelia Gran; Abigayle Gran; and Adilynn Gran. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, June Gran (lovingly referred to as GG); sisters, Mari (Norman) Erickson and Laurie Hamilton; brother-in-law, Rich (Pam) Gran; and her nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, Jerome Gran; brother-in-law, Jeff Gran; and great-granddaughter, her precious Reyna Gran who is now being cradled by her Great Grammy.
Greg and the family wish to give a special thank you to Dr. Robyn Borge as Julie’s doctor and friend; Emplify’s amazing Hospice team (a special shoutout to Jeanette); and the nurses and staff on the 6th floor at Emplify Medical Center who made sure Julie was well cared for with dignity and compassion (and for reassuring they’d watch over Julie so Greg could sleep during the night).
Julie’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at First Free Church, 123 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI. Visitation is from 10:00-12:00 and service begins at 12:00 Noon. A luncheon will follow at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Awana Children’s Ministry, First Free Church.
“I love you. OVER”
The first time I met, Julie was at Sarah‘s wedding shower. She was so kind and friendly. Our paths have intercepted throughout the years and her ability to make one feel accepted and her laughter as well as her kindness made her such an incredible person. She will be missed, but she is in a good place.
Julie was one of the kindest, most genuine women I’ve ever known.Ted and I cherished our friendship with Greg and Julie and all the fish they brought us. She will be missed, but she is in great company.
Greg, Matt, Eric, Annie pup and everyone else that loved Julie. Her spirit was infectious, from the moment I met her I always thought & prayed for her and your family. Hearing and seeing what a wonderful person she was, Greg & Julie’s love story, brought me to tears. Being present in a room filled with so much love and dedication is something I never took lightly and will never forget. Thinking of you Greg & everyone else. It was an honor to be able to care for Julie & get to know some glimpses of the life you two created.
I am sure Julie will be greatly missed, especially by her mother-in-law June. June is my godmother and on my visits with her, she was always telling me how wonderful and blessed she was to have Julie in her life.
I went to school with Laurie, the three girls have always been close so I know Laurie will miss her big sister very much.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends.
She will be in their hearts until they are all together again.
Sandra ( Blank ) Rogge
My deepest sympathy to Greg and family. I was blessed with her sister Mari as one of my best and dearest friends through middle school and high school at Logan. She was the ‘big sister’ so many of us. We could talk to Julie about anything and she was always pleasant and fun. I believed just being loved by the Morwed family was one of life’s blessings.
Julie lived her life of faith and was ever present to anyone near her.
My prayers and sympathy to all.
Sally (Genz) Meyer
Our condolences to Greg and the Family. I only knew Julie for a short time but it was evident she had a sweet and loving spirit that came through at each encounter. I know Greg is heartbroken so I pray the Holy Spirit will comfort him through this tough time of grieving. I’m glad to think of her suffering being done and now in the presence of her Savior.
Ward & Donna Arntson
I am so sorry for your family with the loss of the beautiful women inside and out. There is going to be a large hole in a lot of hearts. Was blessed to cut her hair and will miss her. Hugs and prayers ,know she is with god now. So sorry.