Lars Alexander Grahn was born February 3, 1928.  He was born and raised in Baca County, raised his family in Prowers County and passed away in Springfield, encompassing a full and amazing life.  He was the oldest child of Lars Olaf and Mary Christina (Cramer) Grahn.  Born to a Swedish immigrant, his father relished in the fact that his children, Lars, Martin and Diana, were American and instilled in them a deep love of their country, something Lars would impart to this children and grandchildren.  Lars graduated from Springfield High School.

At the ripe old age of 17 he met a laughing, sparkling eyed, adventurous young lady who caught his eye.  Lars won Kathryn Fay Karn's heart with his wit, dark curls and Model A.  Four years later they were married at the the Rocking 7K Ranch on November 27, 1949, giving them 70 years to love each other and build a family and life together.  Lars was determined to have his five children; Grant Laverne, Cheryl Fay, Lars Jon, Kathy Ann and Mona Mae know the security of growing up on the family farm and ranch, giving them a rich agriculture background and a strong work ethic.  While farming, ranching and raising a family, Lars also worked on oil rigs, pipelines, drove cattle trucks, school bus, mail route, did custom farming in Colorado, Kansas and Wyoming to pay for the land they built their life around.

Lars loved God reverently and with his whole heart.  Prayer and Bible reading were an important part of his and Kathryn's daily routine.  His greatest desire was that each of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and their life partners, along with his friends and neighbors know Jesus.  To that end he served on the local board for Child Evangelism Fellowship for many years and on the Star Community Church deacon board.

Lars wore many hats; son, brother husband, dad, grandpa, uncle and friend.  He enjoyed people – from his large family to all the friends that became family.  You were always welcome at the Grahn table where cinnamon rolls, Pepsi and conversation, which included a good joke or two (usually an Ole and Lena story) were plentiful.  As his kids grew up, married and started families of their own, he relished in being a Grandpa.  He claimed many as his own, loving them and feeling honored to be called "Dad" or "Grandpa" by them.  He enjoyed teaching the children his special pinky wave" until they were old enough to graduate to the "handshake challenge" grinning widely if he could bring out a "calf-rope" from any match-up.  If you happened in on a game day for the Rockies or Broncos you would find him listening attentively to the radio, or in the last few years, watching intently on TV.  Grandpa Lars was always willing to sit down to a game of checkers or dominos by anyone brave enough to take him on.  He earned quite a reputation with his many victories.  There was a score board in the Springfield hospital from all the rounds of checkers he played while he was there.  Occasionally, someone might beat him, but, like Kathy, it might take 57 years!  Lars' big personality and love for each one will be remembered by his survivors.

Beloved Wife of 70 years, Kathryn Fay (Karn) Grahn.

Son LaVerne (Leda) Grahn of Lamar, CO and their children, Mark (Chantel) Hall and their family Tatum, Porter and Conley; Matthew (Chelsea) Grahn and their family Zaron and Zavely; and Sophia Melgosa.

Daughter Cheryl (David) Stoeger of Torrington WY and their children, Natalie (Danny) Gifford and their family, Madison, Braelyn, Cooper and Hadley; Josh Stoeger and his daughter Ami; Matthew (Jennifer) Stoeger and their family, Aria and Liam; Abigail Wells and her daughter Sydney Kathryn; and Edison Stoeger.

Son Lars Jon (Bonnie) Grahn of Granada, CO and their children, Lars LaVerne (Kelly) Grahn and their family Lars Alexander and Talon; Jessica (Jesse) Schrepel and their son Jason; Paul Grahn; Grace (Matthew) Pawliuk; and Casandra (Steven) Richardson and their family, Archer, Xander and Janika.

Daughter Kathy (Dennis) Jordan of Springfield, CO and their children Amy Birchler, Dallas Jordan and Joshua Jordan.

Daughter Mona (Keith) Parker of Colorado Springs, CO and their children Ryan Parker and Sybrina Parker.

"Chosen" son Erich Neupert of Sacramento, CA.

His much-loved baby sister, Diana (Dwayne) Baxter and family, sister-in-law Berniece Grahn and family, sister-in-law Nola (Jack) Shoemaker and family.

Family he joined in heaven are:  parents, Lars Olaf Grahn and Mary Grahn; brother, Martin Grahn; granddaughter, Amaris Rose Grahn; in-laws, Lewis Karn, Wilma Karn, Kermit Karn, Jim Caudill, Dora Caudill; nephew, Preston Neal and niece, Ginger Neal.

The legacy of love for his God, his wife and his family that Lars has left behind will remain in our hearts.  "I love you, Lars, Dad, Grandpa; his certain reply would be, "I know it."