Fannielee "Lee" Grandquist

***Service timing will be announced in the near future.***

Fannielee "Lee" Grandquist, 88, of Marne, Iowa, died Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Fannie “Fannielee” Lavon was born on April 11, 1936, in Cairo, Iowa, the daughter of Frank Raymond and Mary Isett (Marshall) Pontzius. She graduated from West High School in Denver, Colorado in the Class of 1954. Following graduation, she worked for the Energy Administration with the Colorado Power Plant. In 1964, she started working for the Colorado State Patrol as a dispatcher, clerk and typist. 

On March 6, 1970, she was united in marriage to Martin Richard Grandquist at the Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. Following their marriage, they made Marne, Iowa home. An excerpt from Marty’s obituary tells how they ended up in small town Marne, “It was sort of a fluke. We were driving through the town, it was small, quiet and cozy looking and here was this house quite a way from the road that afforded some privacy – we both liked it, so it has become our home.”

While in Iowa, Lee dedicated twenty years to the Cass County Communications Center as a dispatcher. She was known for her calm demeanor, quick thinking, and unwavering commitment to the safety of her community. Her role was vital in ensuring smooth communication during emergencies, and she took immense pride in being a dependable voice on the other end of the line. Lee’s coworkers admired her professionalism, and her dedication left a lasting impact on those she worked with and served. After retiring, she focused on caring for Marty’s mother, a reflection of her deep love for family and her nurturing spirit.

At home, she was a dedicated wife and mother, creating a warm and loving environment for her family. Lee took pride in making their house a true home, filled with care, kindness, and her unwavering support for her children and husband.

In her spare time, she found happiness in the art of crafting, and curating her extensive doll collection, each piece a reflection of her creativity and attention to detail. These hobbies brought her joy and allowed her to share her passions with family and friends.

She was a very creative and thoughtful person, always putting care into everything she did, whether it was in her hobbies, her family life, or the way she made others feel loved and appreciated.

The couple had four children, a blended family, Lee always saying, “They are all our children, no step-children.” They include David Gene (Young Hui) Christensen residing in Germany, Linda (Dewey) Wagner of Arizona, and Richard (Nancy) Grandquist of California. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Pontziu; husband, Marty Grandquist; son, Jerry Grandquist.

Services to honor the lives of Lee and her late husband, Marty will be held in the near future at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Military honors for Marty will be performed by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website the day following the service.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Lee's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.