Carol L. Grattan

Carol Lee Grattan, 85, of La Crescent, MN passed away peacefully on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, WI. She was born December 14, 1938 in South Bend, IN to Delbert and Leona (Jachim) Atkinson. The family moved to La Crosse, WI where she graduated from Aquinas High School. Carol’s desire to become a nurse took her to Marquette University in 1956, where shortly before graduating, she enlisted as an officer in the United States Navy from 1959-1965. She retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant after serving as a Head Nurse at the United States Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. While there, she met and married her husband of 53 years, John Yancey Grattan, Sr., on April 20, 1963. In 1965, they and their young family moved to La Crescent, MN where they set down roots and raised their five children.

Her nursing career spanned over 40 years, beginning at Franciscan Skemp/Mayo Hospital in La Crosse, WI she worked in many positions, ending her career as a lead coordinator for the chemical dependency unit. Part of her professional career included being an instructor in Viterbo University’s accredited nursing program. Carol was a 60-year member of the Crucifixion Church, including their St. Cecilia Women’s Circle, and the local American Legion Post 595. She also enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and camping on the Mississippi River with her family and friends, attending grandchildren’s athletic events, and generously giving to her many charities and those in need.

Carol is survived by her four children; Mary (Mike Wikstrom) Grattan of La Crescent, MN, John (Kay Pedretti) Grattan, Jr. of Goodview, MN, Jane (Brandon) Mathison of West Salem, WI and Charles (Tara) Grattan of Hokah, MN; 6 grandchildren, John Y. III, Aaron, Ellie, Dusty, Kinlee and Jac; five step-grandchildren, Sarah, Mariya, Abby, Brandon Jr., and Anthony. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant sister, Charlotte; her husband, John Y. Grattan, Sr.; her son, Mark J. Grattan; daughter in-law, Kathy (Gielow) Grattan; and grandson, Matthew Philip Grattan Pedretti.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Crucifixion Catholic Church, 423 S. 2nd St., La Crescent. Fr. John L. Evans, II will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park in La Crosse.

Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life at the La Crescent Area Event Center, 595 Veterans Parkway from 3-7 PM. Military Honors will take place at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Crucifixion Church, La Crescent American Legion Post 595, or La Crescent Neighbors in Action.