Grant Milton Heileson, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. He was born November 1, 1921 in the family home in Burton, ID. He was the oldest child and only son of James Milton and Tressie Young Heileson. He attended school at Burton Elementary, Madison High School and graduated from Seminary in Rexburg, ID. He learned his lifelong skill of carpentry at the National Youth Association School in Pocatello, ID. He attended Ricks College and was President of the Delta Phi Fraternity and later served on the Ricks Alumni Council.

He served in the United States Marine Corps (1942-1945) in the 5th Amphibious Corps and took part in the invasion of Saipan. Upon his honorable discharge he served a 30 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States Mission. After he returned from his mission, he utilized his carpentry skills in building the Railroad Ranch Bridge across the Henry’s Fork River in Island Park, ID. He co-founded the Rexburg Box and Milling Co., built hotels and gas stations in Jackson Hole, Island Park and Victor ID. He was successful in real estate, insurance and as a securities broker.

He met the love of his life, Joyce Elizabeth Hansen, in 1949 and they were married for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 26, 1950. To this union they were blessed with six beautiful daughters. He devoted his life to his wife, daughters and family which include to date: 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

Grant was a friend to all and believed that there was good in every person although he acknowledged that he had to look harder with some people. He always took the high road and encouraged others to do the same.

He was an active and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served willingly and faithfully in any position he was called to throughout his life, but treasured the calling of serving with his sweetheart as stake missionaries. He always tried to instill the gospel into the lives of his family and set the example of how to treat others.

Grant had always enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, sharing numerous fishing expeditions with his son-in-law Pat, in scenic locations in the U.S. and beyond.

Grant is preceded in death by his eternal companion Joyce, his parents and his sisters Opal Clayton, Jeannine Sorensen and Darlene Logan. He is survived by his sisters Carma Farley, Sharon Lingren and Kathy Ipsen, his 6 daughters: Deneice (Pat Bennett, Rexburg ID), Dianna (Brad Chase, Clinton UT), Renee (Dale Hull, So. Jordan UT), Annette (Bob Gruhler, Chico, CA), Lisa (Jeff Storey, No. OgdenUT) and Carolyn Heileson (Steve Pecorella, Clinton UT).

Funeral services will be held on Monday November 26, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in the Malad LDS Stake Center. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 11:00a.m. -12:45 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Pleasantview Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Horsley Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.horsleyfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at McKay-Dee Hospital for their kind and attentive care of their beloved father. They would also like to thank Kathy and Apral Ipsen for the delicious Monday evening meals and movies, laughs and taking such great care of him.