Daniel B. Gratton was born on October 11, 1943, and raised in Kevin, Montana. He passed away at his home in Manchester at the age of 80 on October 9, 2024. A Funeral Service will be held for Dan on Monday October 21, 2024, at 1PM in the Rose Room Chapel of Croxford Funeral Home. Following the service there will be a graveside service at the Manchester Cemetery.
He attended high school in Sunburst, Montana before pursuing higher education at the University of Montana in Missoula where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and completed two years of Law School.
Dan dedicated his entire career to serving as an independent adjuster, successfully building his own adjusting business that expanded to include five offices across the state.
He cherished life and lived it to the fullest, setting a personal goal of taking twelve vacations each year and owning homes in Florida and Virginia City, Montana. A sports enthusiast, Dan made a point to attend top sporting events at least once. He often remarked “I have to be the happiest man on Earth”.
With a passion for varied interests, he had 26 hobbies: one for each letter of the alphabet. His mind was constantly in motion. His love for NASCAR led him to become the owner/driver of a stock car at the local track. Although he despised cheaters, he occasionally took the opportunity to fudge the rules a bit.
Dan is survived by the love of his life, DeAnn Andre with whom he made his home for 45 years; daughter, Jonni Gratton of Eugene, OR; son, Robin Gratton of Great Falls, MT; stepson, Michael Andre (Fonda); granddaughter Alexis Andre, Great Falls, MT; brother, Tracy (Christi) Smith of Whitefish; sister Gerri Lodico, Lacey WA; and numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Eloise “Sally” (Thompson) Gratton Smith and Patrick G. Gratton; stepfather, Tom Smith and brother Tim Smith.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, click here to visit the Croxford Funeral Home website.
