Grant A. Lilienthal, age 55, of Durant, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1- 4 p.m., Saturday, April 11, at The Barn at Bunker Hill, Wilton. Memorials may be made to the family, c/o Angie Lilienthal, which will be used to support local charities in Grant's memory. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Grant was born on July 22, 1970, the son of Gary and Sandra (Statler) Lilienthal in Iowa City. He graduated from Durant High School, with the Class of 1988. After graduation, Grant earned his associate’s degree in agriculture from Kirkwood Community College. He married Angela Petersen on July 24, 1992, at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Muscatine.
Grant lived a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. A lifelong farmer, he dedicated his days to the land he loved, raising livestock, and growing crops. Farming was not just his occupation, it was his passion and way of life. In addition to farming, Grant served the local agricultural community through his work at the Wilton Bank, where he served as Vice President of Lending. In that role, he built lasting relationships with farmers across the area, offering both financial guidance and a deep understanding of the agricultural way of life.
Grant enjoyed the simple pleasures that came with time spent outdoors and on the road. He and his wife, Angie, made many memories camping in their Airstream and biking together (with many reminders from Angie about how far they’d gone and how far they’d have to bike back). He especially loved cheering on his children at their sporting events and later attending his grandchildren’s school activities. Some of his most treasured moments were spent teaching his grandchildren about the some of his favorite things; Smoky and the Bandit, 80s rock music, and cookies for breakfast.
Grant valued fellowship within the farming community and was a member of the Red Cedar Round Table, where farmers gathered to share conversation and experiences about agriculture. He was also active in civic life, serving on the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Wilton Retirement Community and Simpson Memorial Home. He was a member of the Cedar County Cattlemen Association.
Family was at the heart of everything Grant did. Though he worked tirelessly, Grant never missed a chance to pause and enjoy life’s quiet moments with the ones he loved; a peaceful evening on the farm, a camping trip, or simply time spent together. His kind presence and calm demeanor put the people around him at ease, and made it feel like everything was going to be okay. Grant will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love of farming, his commitment to community, and most of all for the deep love he had for his family.
Grant will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Angie; three children, Hannah (Drew) Lensch of Durant, Drew (Blake) Lilienthal of New York, and Curtis (Eleney Owens) Lilienthal of Durant; three grandchildren, Carson, Clara, and Bridger Lensch; his mother, Sandy Lilienthal of Wilton; and two brothers, Brad (Heather) Lilienthal of Ankeny and Ryan (Samantha) Lilienthal of Iowa City.
Grant was preceded in death by his father, Gary Lilienthal; and his mother-in-law, Judith Petersen.
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