Royce B. Granlund

Royce’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Royce Granlund, 83, Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on August 6, 2026 under the care of hospice, surrounded by family.

Royce was born to Walter and Mildred (Snellman) at home in DeLamere, ND on September 1, 1942. He attended DeLamere school, was confirmed at DeLamere Lutheran Church, and grew up helping on the family farm. At age 15, Royce left the farm and began a lifetime of hard work and service, taking on jobs at the missile base in North Dakota, farmhands in North Dakota and Washington, the Union Pacific RR, caring for his sister ValRae’s boys in Oregon, and Boeing Airlines.

In time, he settled into the work that would define much of his career – 30 years at Bobcat in Gwinner in the Experimental department. He was one of the original Bobcat square dancers and held a Bobcat patent for an engine air handling system, a certificate proudly displayed in his office.

Royce married Noreen Schutt on May 15, 1970, and together they made their home in Milnor, ND, raising three daughters. Royce was deeply committed to his church, family, and community. He served Milnor Lutheran Church through choir and church council, served on the Milnor City Council and Park Board, volunteered on the Milnor ambulance, was instrumental in starting the MACC, and earned the Satellite Club Galaxy Award in 1998.

In 2006, Royce and Noreen moved to Hickson, ND where he continued his lifelong pattern of service at Comstock Lutheran Church, church council, Hickson Senior club, and volunteered for 7+ years at the Dakota Boys Ranch Thrift Store in Dilworth. In 2024, Royce and Noreen moved to Edgewood Vista in Fargo, ND.

Royce had many hobbies and passions: square dancing, restoring many IH tractors, antique tractor pulling, Wild Rice Antique Tractor Club, restoring a 1927 Dodge Brothers car, working on Bobcats, rock collecting, auction sales, antiques, gardening, fruit trees, tinkering in his shop, and building anything anyone needed – from bale forks (“Granlund Superior”) to bookshelves, toy chests, playground equipment, and church items. He loved traveling and visited all 50 states, took 30+ bus trips with Noreen, and explored 16 countries including the Holy Land. He also treasured his time at the Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, especially working in Earl’s Sawmill, and showing his many walking plows, and the COD tractor once owned by his grandfather – one of only six left in existence.

Above all, he was devoted to his family. He would do anything for Noreen and his girls – altar guild, Christmas goodies, roller skating, coaching, lefse, apple pies, rabbits, and countless acts of love.

Royce was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother Hazel; all six siblings – ValRae Taft, Hamilton Granlund, Walter Granlund, Jr., Marilyn Hardy, Sharon Sandland, and Ronald Granlund; nephews Michael Granlund, David Granlund, Bobby Taft, Thomas Sandland; and niece Lynn Granlund.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Noreen; daughters Lori Hoffman, Paula (Kevin) Krogen, Sara (Paul) Manock; grandchildren Tommy Leinen, Jessica Leinen, Katie (Jason) Osvold, Brooklyn Walden, Emily Krogen, Nathan Krogen; great grandchild Kalie Moore; sister in law Carol Granlund; brother in law Gordon Sandland; and many nieces and nephews.

A life defined by service, craftsmanship, curiosity, and devotion, Royce leaves behind a legacy of kindness, ingenuity, and deep love for his family, church, and community.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to HIA Heather House in Fargo.