Laurent Grandgeorge, 80, Woolstock

He was born on December 31, 1933 in Strasbourg, France. His family came to America in 1947 and settled in the Woolstock area. He served his country in the US Army. Laurent’s marriage to Rea Dean Wilson of Webster City produced a son, Duane Christian of Webster City.

In 1959, he married the love of his life, Colleen Maree Pringle of Webster City. They resided in Webster City many years and had four children: Connie Grandgeorge Nicoletti and partner David Haynes of Eagle Grove and Duncombe, IA, Ron (Pat) Grandgeorge of Omaha, NE, Collette (Darwin) Pohlman of Eagle Grove and Randy Grandgeorge and partner Lisa Moss of Eagle Grove.

Laurent worked at New Idea Avco in Fort Dodge and became involved in the UAW until they closed. He then went to work at the Nissen Company in Webster City until it closed. He became the chief union steward at Nissen’s and belonged to the United Food and Commercial Workers Meat Cutters Local P31 in Fort Dodge. He served on the Executive Board and negotiated many contracts. He also served on the Federation Board of Labor for Webster County. Laurent and Colleen moved to Des Moines and became apartment managers for the Imperial Gardens Apartment Complex. In retirement, they moved to Woolstock, IA.

Laurent was instrumental in establishing Sister Cities between the Ban de la Roche, France and Woolstock, IA. He created the Friends of the Ban de la Roche French Club and actively served as president for 20 years. He spent many years camping, woodworking and enjoying his 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Helene Grandgeorge, sister Renie Beletti, brother-in-law Geno Beletti and grandson Randall Andrew Grandgeorge Jr.

Any cards can be sent to Colleen Grandgeorge at Villa, 2721 10th Ave. N., Fort Dodge, IA 50501