Lani Karen Sullivan was born September 27, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Ethel Mae Sullivan and James B. Sullivan who both served in World War II (Ethel as a nurse and James as a Colonel in the Army).
The majority of her childhood, she grew up in Orlando, Florida, where she met and married Wayne Terry Grantz, who was stationed in Orlando’s Airforce base, on April 26, 1969.
Lani earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Asbury University in Kentucky and upon returning to Orlando, Florida, she taught 2nd grade. Lani began her master’s program in Library Sciences/Media Generalist at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA., but ended up finishing her program at the University of Central Florida.
Lani and Wayne moved to Wayne’s home state of Minnesota and they settled in Worthington in 1974. They became members of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and have been members for 46 years. Lani became a school librarian after the passing of her only son, David Wayne Grantz, in 1978. She continued to be a school librarian/media specialist up until her retirement in 2006. At the time of retirement, Lani had worked in all of the school buildings in district #518.
Lani was an avid reader and one of the most well-read people her family knows. She also loved to read the Bible and spent a lot of time studying it. Every morning, one could see Lani studying her devotions. She read the complete Bible every year. She believed strongly in Christian education and spent a lot of time helping St. Matthew’s with their educational programs. She was a tireless volunteer.
Quilting was a past time she thoroughly enjoyed. She became an avid quilter after her kids had left home and loved spending time with her friend, Rita Gengler, going to quilting classes and working on different projects.
She loved her husband, Wayne, immensely. The two were often seen together as they were each other’s best friend. They loved to travel in their camper; fly fish in the West; and go on adventures.
Lani was freed from her pain and suffering on Monday, November 2, 2020. She joined her son, David, and her mother and father in heaven. She is survived by her younger sisters, Patti Taksa (Jack), Terry Muskett (Stephen) and their children: Scott Lawson (Wylder), Stefanie Muskett Hedrick (Jeff, Caden, Grayson) and Christopher Muskett (Amanda).
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Grantz, and daughters, Susan Grantz Marco (Troy) and Leslie Grantz Lane (TJ). Her granddaughters: Kenzie Marco Halonen, Cameron Olivia Lane, and Danielle Lani Lane. Her grandson: Jack David Marco.
A memorial service is being planned for the Spring of 2021.
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