Martin Mcgrane

Our family has lost a shining light. With a hole in our hearts, we share the sad news that Martin Edward McGrane, 80, of West Des Moines, Iowa, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines. Burial will be held at Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Casey, Iowa.

Marty was born on April 6, 1943, to Bert and Veronica McGrane in Des Moines. A curious and lifelong learner, he attended Holy Trinity primary school and Dowling High School in Des Moines, before going on to graduate from Drake University and Iowa State with a master’s degree in journalism. Following his education he became a professor of photography and mass communications at the University of Idaho and later the University of South Dakota. He then began a distinguished career in public relations in rural electrification for South Dakota Highliner Magazine and as the Director of Communications for Sioux Valley Rural Electric. Marty’s public speaking and writing talents saw him earn national and regional communications awards, speak at national conferences, and entertain thousands every month with his short fiction stories and biographical articles. He loved history, and was a longtime chairman of the Friends of Jesse James Foundation. He and his family spent many great years in Madison, South Dakota, where he served on the library board and food bank. In retirement, Marty wrote and published a humorous, heartfelt  memoir, California Calling, during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Marty enjoyed spending time and sharing his warm sense of humor with those he loved. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandy, of West Des Moines, his daughters Kelly (Michael) Cirone, of Kansas City, Mo., Maura (Derik) George, of Castle Rock, Colo., Molly McGrane-Cleary (Corbin), of Grosse Pointe, Mich., and his sons, Mark McGrane, of Minneapolis, and Danny McGrane, of Pittsburgh. He leaves behind four grandchildren, Evan, Aubrey, and Alex George, and Freddy Cleary. He is also survived by his sister, Betsy Haberer, of Boone, Iowa, many nieces and nephews, and life long friends that he held like family. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Miriam Martin, and brothers Michael McGrane and Bill McGrane. Marty’s smile and warm spirit lit up everything they touched. The world is dimmer without him.

We love you and we’re grateful for you, Marty.