Granger Byron Whitney

Granger B. Whitney

Age 87 of Saint Paul, MN, passed away on July 21, 2026.

Granger was born to Ormsby Whitney and Dorothy Shannon, and raised in Helena, MT, with his brother Gary. He earned a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Utah with a minor in Business, setting him up for a career as a construction project manager and independent contractor. He served in the US Marine Corps in active duty from 1960–1963, and the reserves from 1963–1966, achieving the rank of Captain. In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, he committed to earning an M.Div. from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN.

Using nautical skills learned in the military, he then sailed the Caribbean for a year with his wife, Beth, and brother, Gary. He bought a house on Como Lake, where he lived with Beth until they separated. Later he met and married Barbara, divorcing after four years, both raising their daughter Paige. Professionally, Granger restored many of the buildings in downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis, including the iconic Pioneer Press Building and Nicollet Island Pavilion. He has also generously labored to provide friends and family with buildings and restorations of their own. He is survived by his brother Gary, daughters Paige and Nancy, son-in-law Paul, granddaughter Viva, and many close friends, including Hal, Gordy, Clifford, Erick, and Bob. He will be remembered for his engaging personality, humor, unique turns of phrase, zest for life, and remarkable warmth and generosity.

A Memorial Service will be held on September 17, 2026 at 11am, with visitation at 10am, at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis. Lunch is served at noon, followed by a procession to his 2pm interment ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Donations may be directed to University Lutheran Church of Hope, where Granger was a devoted member for over 50 years.