Grant Michael Brustuen

Funeral services will be Friday, February 10th, 11AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Morris, Pastor Michael Hanson will officiate.  Visitation will be Thursday, 5-7PM at Zniewski Funeral Home –Vaala Chapel in Appleton.  Visitation will continue for one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.  Burial will follow in Long Lake Cemetery, Hegbert Township.

Grant Michael Brustuen was born February 10, 1994 in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Stuart and Cindy (Hanson) Brustuen.  He was baptized May 22, 1994 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church –Hegbert Township, by Pastor Mary Feistner.  Grant attended Appleton and Milan Elementary Schools and Lac qui Parle Valley High School, graduating May 27, 2012.

Grant was a quiet and reserved young man who didn’t show his emotions…so it was a real joy when he smiled!  You could tell he was taking everything in as his big brown eyes danced when he enjoyed something.  Every once in a while he was like a machine that you put a quarter in to…something would get him going and he would let out a long lingo in his way of talking.  Grant loved to go to Camp Friendship with his sister, Ashley.  A highlight was going to the Swift County Fair; seeing friends, riding the Ferris Wheel and the Merry Go Round.  He also enjoyed seeing the firetrucks at the AppleFest Parade with their lights and sirens going.

Grant loved to be read to and one of his favorite books was Pooh Plays Doctor.  At bedtime, he loved to listen to his Adventures in Odyssey CD…he had a number of favorites.  Grant also enjoyed watching his many videos especially, Thomas the Tank Engine and Winnie the Pooh.  He would get so excited when watching Firehouse Dog, Free Willy 2, Home Alone, Air Bud…where someone is getting rescued, in trouble or saves the day.  When Grant was little he had a small doll named Peter and a favorite blanket…they both went with him everywhere.  Grant enjoyed a little color on his finger nails when Mom would paint his sisters nails!  Saturday morning was bath or “Deeping” as Erin would say.  Grant usually went first…when it was Ashley’s turn, Erin would entertain Grant, usually by dressing him up as a girl, cowboy, chef, or artist, just to name a few…they both had a great time!  Erin was a caring and fun loving sister to both of her siblings…and they loved having her around.

Grant passed away Thursday, February 2, 2017 in Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.  He attained 22 years, 11 months, and 22 days of age.  He is survived by his parents, Stuart and Cindy Brustuen of Appleton; sister, Erin (Derek) DeBates of Sioux Falls, SD; step-grandmother; Hazel Saienga of Tyler; uncles: Shelby Brustuen of Seattle, WA, Danny Hanson of Swanville, and Scott (Charmaine) Hanson of Avon; aunts: Vicky Boudreau of Beverly Hills, FL, Connie (Donny) Saienga Askin of Wayland, MA; and Marlene (Stan) Straley of Excelsior; other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Ashley Brustuen on December 8, 2011; paternal grandparents, Syver and Mildred Brustuen; maternal grandparents, Alden Hanson, Lavina Hasner Hanson Saienga; step-grandfather, Raymond Saienga; and cousin, Jennifer Phillips.

Grant’s life had many challenges and serious obstacles to overcome.  He is greatly loved and will be deeply missed by his family. Blessed be the memory of Grant Michael Brustuen.  Happy 23rd birthday in Heaven!