Marlin D. Grant, age 89, of Bloomington, died November 18, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family.
Marlin Duane Grant was born on March 8, 1936, in Milaca, Minn., to Clarence and Astrid (Anderson) Grant. He learned the work ethic in his life at age seven when he was picking rocks with his grandpa’s old tractor and trailer at the family farm. He also worked at age 16 as a truck driver for Land O’ Lakes and was in a near fatal crash that almost cost him his life.
Marlin met Wilma Hoekstra and they married in 1956. They had their first child, Barb, in 1957 and lived in a log home until their second child, Linda, was born. Marlin started doing carpenter work and built various homes as his family kept growing. Their son Steve was born in 1961 in their St. Paul home, and daughter Debbie in 1965 in their Bloomington home where he currently resided for 61 years.
Marlin began working for Marvin H. Anderson Construction Co. in 1954 as an apprentice carpenter, construction manager, and working his way into the office as estimator, vice president, and president for a total of 35 years. A total of 2,735 homes were built in Bloomington which amounted to over 5,000 homes throughout the Twin Cities area. He purchased the company in 1986 from his cousin Marv Anderson. Marlin was very active in the home building industry, serving as president for the Minneapolis Builders Association in 1972, president of the MN Builders Institute, and Chairman of the Twin Cities Carpentry Training Program, where he signed thousands of apprentice graduation certificates. He was a Lifetime Director of the National Association of Home Builders.
Marlin was very involved in his church, Hillcrest United Methodist in Bloomington, where he served on the trustees committee and helped to maintain the church property. He also read scripture on Sunday morning worship services. He had many accomplishments in his life. He was most proud of building his own lake home on Sugar Lake in 1994.
Marlin and Wilma enjoyed going on many trips and cruises. He also loved fishing with friends and family, including trips to Alaska and Canada. He was an honorary member of the Bloomington Lion’s Club. Marlin enjoyed his summers at Sugar Lake for over 60 years, riding on his John Deere tractor mowing grass and picking up sticks in the yard. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time in his home office and living in his pajamas. He will be missed by his wife, family, and many friends and relatives.
He is survived by his wife, Wilma, of 69 years; children; Barbara (Blaine) Massee of Bloomington, Linda Williams of Annandale, Steven (Sue) Grant of Annandale, and Debbie (Mike) McManus of Annandale; grandchildren, Breanne (Aaron), Brett (Kathryn), Angie (Drew), Brad (Chris), and Cassi (Jerame); 9 great-grandchildren; and sister Joyce Counihan, brother Gary (Joy), and sister-in-law Judy. He was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Astrid Grant, brother Dale, brother-in-law, Roger Counihan, son-in-law, Joel Williams, and grandson-in-law David Sill, and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A funeral service was held in Bloomington on November 25, at Hillcrest United Methodist Church. He was interred at Bloomington Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Hillcrest United Methodist Church Foundation or an organization of your choice.