Sarann Marie (née Rudd) Granstrom

Lifelong Gurnee resident Sarann Marie Granstrom (née Rudd), 92, passed away on April 22, 2024. She was the daughter of Thomas Francis Rudd and Loretta Martha Rudd (née Thomas).

Sarann grew up on a dairy farm with her parents, three brothers, John, Tom and Edward, and her sister, Eileen. She attended Warren Township High School. 

She met Ronald G. Granstrom on a blind date, telling her mother the same day, “I think he’s the one.” The couple wed a year later in November 1954.

Ron was the love of her life and Sarann was the love of his. They were married almost 45 years before Ron’s death in June 1999. They raised two daughters, Laurie and Lynn, in Gurnee.

Sarann worked as an expeditor and performed office work throughout her career. 

Sarann was a beautiful, caring, loving person who will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. She took great pride in her home. She loved looking at her flower gardens of hydrangeas and roses.

She also enjoyed crafts and watching mystery movies and thrillers. Her baking prowess was legendary; family favorites included pies, chocolate eclairs and banana cake with cream cheese frosting, all made from scratch.

She especially loved her grandchildren, Chelsea, Suzie and Mia, and great-grandson Eric.

Sarann was a devoted member of St. Dismas Catholic Church in Waukegan, Illinois.

Sarann is survived by daughters Laurie Bartousek (Gary) and Lynn Granstrom (Don); her grandchildren, Chelsea Eidbo, Suzie Eidbo and Mia Salamanca; great-grandson Eric Wilt; and many nieces and nephews. 

Sarann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Granstrom; her parents, Thomas and Loretta Rudd; her brothers, John, Thomas and Edward Rudd and their wives; dearest sister/best friend Eileen Paustian (née Rudd) and her husband, Victor; and Eileen’s son, William Cudahy. 

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Dismas Catholic Church, 2600 Sunset Ave. in Waukegan. A Catholic funeral Mass will follow at 10 a.m with Fr. Xamie Reyes officiating. Interment will be private at Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarann’s memory to Advocate Condell Medical Center (Hospice), St. Dismas Catholic Church/Little Flower Parish, Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in Riverwoods, Illinois, or Gurnee American Legion Post 771.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL. Please sign the online guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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