Tribute: Minnesota Law Mourns the Passing of William McGrann ‘64
Minnesota Law alum William McGrann ‘64, died Jan. 19 at his family's cabin on the shore of Lake Superior in Schroeder, Minnesota at the age of 86.
As a founding partner of McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb law firm, McGrann was a longtime presence at Minneapolis City Hall and the State Capitol.
Minnesota Vikings Vice President Lester Bagley knew and worked with McGrann for decades. "He was smart, connected, and highly regarded," Bagley said. "We will miss the twinkle in his eye and wry smile that made him a joy to work with."
McGrann was born Oct. 23, 1937, in St. Cloud to Josephine and William McGrann. He grew up in Owatonna before attending St. John's University in Collegeville, Minn. He served in the military, completing infantry and Army Ranger training at Fort Benning, Ga., followed by counterintelligence instruction.
He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Research Group and as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve. He went to law school at the University of Minnesota where he met his wife. Upon graduation, the couple moved to Washington, D.C., where McGrann worked as a special agent with the National Security Agency and in Vietnam as a special representative of the secretary of defense.
He returned from the war to work at the U.S. Capitol while earning another graduate degree from George Washington University. McGrann served as a special assistant to the late Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey.
He is survived by his wife, Judith, son Patrick, both of Minneapolis, his his son Chris (Sharon) of Orono, daughter Meghan McGrann (Chris Lawrence) of Minneapolis and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held May 22 where Chris McGrann said the family will insist on levity. "It is an absolute celebration," he said.
William McGrann ‘64