Grant Dyer
April 15, 2020
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Service Details
Grant Dyer, 64, of Des Moines, passed away unexpectedly from a long battle with a heart condition on April 15, 2020, peacefully at home.
Grant was born on June 15, 1955 in Des Moines to Merwyn and Norma (Borchert) Dyer. Grant grew up with his older brother, Maurice, in Indianola and the family were faithful members of Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Grant graduated from Simpson College majoring in German and often shared fond memories of his year studying in Germany.
Grant had a love of stained glass and created eye-catching pieces throughout his life. He proudly owned his small business, Glass Dragon, for over 25 years and spent most summers displaying his glass at Midwest art shows. Grant would often combine talents with Maurice's beautiful woodworking to create unique art for the church and community members. He had a passion for the stage and was a thespian with Carousel Theater in Indianola. As a history and Civil War buff, he naturally became the family historian and always knew how the Dyers and Borcherts were connected to the rest of the state of Iowa. He loved his daughters, who he shared with Cynthia, with all of his heart. He was proud to be their father and said so often. He cherished his two granddaughters and it was incredible watching him flourish as a grandfather. Grant married Susan in March 2017. This new chapter of their lives was full of love, traveling, and many, many laughs. Grant was a brilliant man and saw the world in a different way than most. He will be known for his humor, story-telling, and love of his family.
Grant is survived by his wife, Susan; father, Merwyn (Theresa) Dyer; brother, Maurice (Betty) Dyer; children, Katy (Chris) Cran and Sarah Dyer; nephew, Alex Dyer; nieces, Jessica (Michael) Forinash and Maryanne Dyer; stepsons, Travis (Sabrina Curtis) Becker and Jeremy (Alice Mogg) Ferguson; granddaughters, Caroline and Charlotte; step-grandchildren, Mikaela (Brandon), Dylan, Rilan, and Aden; step-great grandson, Luca.
He is preceded in death by his mother and paternal and maternal grandparents.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Grant.
Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life at a later date. Friends are encouraged to share their sympathies and memories with his family using Hamilton's online condolences at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Ann Polito
04/27/2020
I began praying when I heard the news...I never had the privilege of meeting Grant but I was given a piece of his artwork a number of years ago by my best friend. It is a treasure because it came from her and it is the first line of a song I wrote, "Once Upon A Miracle". When I found out who created it, I was even more touched because if he was anything like Maurice, I knew it was made with great care and love. After reading a tribute written by Betty, I know I was right.
May God's peace and comfort surround the entire Dyer family.
Susan Henricksen-Thompson
04/21/2020
Sending my heartfelt sympathy to Grants family and friends. Hell forever have a place in the hearts of many. Im immensely grateful to have traveled with him for several months during our Junior Year in Munich program. Thoughtful, funny, smart, kind, and more. Rest In Peace, Grant.
Terrie Hoefer
04/20/2020
This is such shocking and heartbreaking news! We are so very sorry. Losing such a beautiful person is unimaginable. His art is so important here at the Octagon Center for the Arts. We will miss him desperately.
~Terrie
Octagon Gallery Shop, Ames
Francis Colella
04/19/2020
Jane Ellen and I send our prayers and condolences to the family. Grant was a wonderful friend and we enjoyed his ever present smile every time our paths crossed. He will be greatly missed by us all. Frank
Robert Uy
04/18/2020
I knew Grant from "Camelot" at Carousel Theatre, and I always liked seeing him at the Iowa State Fair. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Lynn Blakesley
04/18/2020
I bought a stain glass kaleidoscope from him and used it in my classroom for many years. It had a calming effect on some of my students who were stressed , anxious or on the autism spectrum. I thought of Grant every time I handed it out. His gift of glass was truly a gift to so many.
Mark Schlenker
04/18/2020
Schlaf in himmelische Ruh.
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Teri (Curnes) Betts
04/18/2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Grant was one of the good guys. I so enjoyed visiting with him at our class reunions. The world wont be the same without him.
Rose Stoy Finnigsmier
04/17/2020
My sincere sympathy to all of Grants family. I was happy to have known him many years ago. Very sorry for your loss.
Norma Buehlmann
04/17/2020
I am sorry for your loss. Grant was a wonderful neighbor at the Iowa State Fair and we were always eager to see what new pieces he had come up with. He was an extraordinary artist.
Verna Sevcik
04/16/2020
So sad to hear this. I worked several years with Grant at True Value. He had so many jokes he shared. We had many good conversations. Sympathy to all including his dear dad and brother.