Vernon A. Grannemann

Vernon A. Grannemann passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born on October 23, 1933, in Illinois, Vernon was the son of hardworking farmers. He grew up with many brothers and one sister, learning early the values of hard work, independence, and perseverance that would remain with him throughout his life.

Vernon was a personable, kind, and hardworking man—a true “old school” gentleman and, as his family might say, a man’s man. He was a man of integrity who lived his life with quiet determination. He rarely complained, never needed to raise his voice, and had a gentle, soft-spoken way about him. He was also a bit of a teaser and jokester, with a personality that could, and did, bring a smile to those around him.

As a young man, Vernon left Illinois and joined the United States Army. He hoped that military service would give him the opportunity to travel and see the world. During his Army career, he met Margaret at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They married and began a family, raising three children: Joan, Pamela, and Todd.

Vernon's life was one of remarkable curiosity, creativity, adventure, and accomplishment. He was an inventor, engineer, carpenter, builder, farmer, and entrepreneur. He worked at McDonnell Douglas as a carpenter and handyman, later operating his own construction business, building homes. If something could be made, repaired, designed, or built, Vernon believed he could figure out how to do it. He had an extraordinary ability to see possibilities where others might simply see a challenge.

His inventive spirit led him to develop and engineer Granny’s Energy Saver furnace/stove, reflecting his lifelong interest in understanding how things worked and finding practical solutions.

Vernon also had a lifelong love of motorcycles. He owned and rode motorcycles throughout his life, and to those who knew him, he was affectionately called, “Cannon Ball.” Riding was more than a pastime for Vernon—it was part of his adventurous spirit and his love of freedom, discovery, and the open road.

That adventurous spirit took him far beyond the familiar. At one point, he ventured to El Salvador in search of gold. He later lived in Costa Rica for nine years, where he became a farmer and worked a 600-acre property growing beans, coffee, and oranges. His willingness to step into the unknown and build a life around his interests was characteristic of the man he was.

In his seventies, Vernon built what would become his last home in Bridgeton, Missouri where he lived for approximately 20 years. His entrepreneurial spirit continued as he became a landlord, eventually accumulating more than nine homes.

Travel remained one of Vernon’s great passions. Over the years, he traveled throughout the United States and around the world, visiting places including Egypt, Greece, Peru, India, China, Israel, and Thailand. He even traveled down parts of the Amazon River. For Vernon, travel was another way to satisfy his endless curiosity about people, places, cultures, and the world around him.

He loved learning and discovery. He was deeply curious and approached life with an eagerness to understand how things worked and what might be possible. Those who knew him often recognized that if Vernon set his mind to something, he would find a way to accomplish it. His accomplishments were many, but perhaps what mattered most was the willingness he had to use his knowledge, skills, and strength to help others.

Above all, Vernon was a caring father and a generous man. He cared deeply for his children and family and had a genuine desire to help those he loved. His generosity was not measured only in what he gave, but in the time, effort, knowledge, and physical help he willingly offered. He was the kind of father who would roll up his sleeves and help find a way to make things better.

Vernon touched many lives through his generosity and his willingness to lend a hand—often not simply with words, but by physically showing up and helping. He was the kind of person who would figure out how to build it, fix it, make it, or solve the problem. His kindness was often expressed through what he did for others.

Vernon will be remembered not only for the many things he built and accomplished, but for the person he was: a caring father, kind, curious, hardworking, independent, adventurous, generous, and quietly determined man. His gentle voice, teasing sense of humor, willingness to help, and unmistakable ability to make things happen will remain cherished memories for all who knew him.

He leaves behind his three children, Joan, Pamela, and Todd, along with family, friends, neighbors, and many others whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

Vernon lived a life of discovery. He worked with his hands, followed his curiosity, rode motorcycles, followed the open road, traveled the world, built homes and businesses, raised a family, and helped those around him. He leaves behind a legacy not only of what he built, but of the many lives he touched along the way.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and neighbors.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Vernon's honor.