Joseph William Grant
April 9, 1956 – May 16, 2024
VISITATION: Wednesday, May 22nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 654 S. 86th St., followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7:00 p.m. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Joe Grant Memorial Fund.
To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
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Joseph William Grant was born on April 9, 1956, to parents John T. and Marian (Saner) Grant. He passed away on May 16, 2024, due to complications after a successful lung transplant. Joe fought an incredible battle against numerous health challenges, supported by many skilled medical professionals who admired his determination to keep pushing forward.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary (Pritchard); sons, Tom (Kylie Koris) and Dan; daughters, Lucy and Gigi; grandchildren, Finnegan and Oliver Grant; sisters, Martha Bruckner and Sue Grant (Carolyn Hamilton); mother-in-law, Lorraine Pritchard; sisters and brothers-in-law; cousins; nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by brothers, Tim Grant and John Grant; father-in-law, William Pritchard; brother-in-law, Bob Bruckner; and nephew, Benjamin Pritchard.
Joe was a respected attorney, graduating from UNL College of Law and practicing law for over 40 years in civil litigation with an emphasis in workers’ compensation and general civil disputes, most recently with the Prentiss-Grant Law Firm. He became a sought-after legal mediator, recognized by the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals in 2022. In 2023, he was recognized with the Christ the King Athletic Achievement Award and was elected to the Creighton Prep Athletic Hall of Fame.
Joe loved life. Memories from friends share descriptions such as “ball of endless energy,” “brightest outlook on life ever witnessed,” “light of love and integrity, both professionally and personally,” “a gift to all who knew him,” and “definition of living life to the fullest.” One friend mentioned that Joe “leaves a legacy measured by the good he did and the lives he positively impacted.”
It is true that Joe adored people and being around his friends. When he was cautioned to avoid being with people for fear of encounters that put him at health risk, he often broke the rules. Mary stated accurately that “People are Joe’s kryptonite.”
However, Joe loved his family first and foremost. Hundreds of family pictures, videos, texts, and printed messages are filled with joy, care, compassion, wisdom and so much love. He regularly posted to a text group entitled “Family.” The kids had their own “Family w/o Parents” and a special subgroup was “Family w/o Mom,” which should likely remain hidden. Joe’s dancing escapades are famous, perhaps notorious! Those who were blessed to be his dance partner are in the hundreds, but his favorite partner was his beloved Mary.
Joe’s faith was extremely important to him long before he became ill. He was a lector at Christ the King Church and organized his life around regular prayer. He received the Sacrament of the Sick numerous times along his recent health journey, each time preparing for a potential trip to heaven. Even though he was sometimes discouraged, he confided that he tried to keep that to himself because “it never really helped and made you look bad to others.”
Joe will be forever remembered as a kind, caring, interesting, fun-filled man who loved life, his friends and family. Those blessed enough to have him in our lives realize there will never be another Joe Grant. We are privileged to honor him and his memory!
80 Comments
joes dad was one of my dads best friends Both judge Grant and Joe shared a love for life and a great sense of humor that will be missed Joe touched so many people in a most kind way I will not forget him
A great guy! Bless all of you.
Joe’s passing is a true loss to not only his family, but the countless number of good friends he had throughout his fruitful life. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with him as a fraternity brother and law school room mate. I was among the many whose life was propoundly positively impacted. He was in many ways one in a million.
We didn’t know Joe but yet we did through the eyes of his sister Sue. She told us so many stories that we actually felt like we had met this ” great guy”!! We followed his latest journey and prayed for him🙏 So sorry got this sad loss💔 Hugs to all of you❤️❤️
Such a Ray of Sunshine Every Minute of Every Day. Joe squeezed so much life out of his short tour of this planet. Mary & Joe were life-long pals of my older siblings & their humor (light or dark) was unmatched. People, adopt the Joe Grant blueprint for happiness, discard the health challenges & this world would a better place. See you on the other side with a new pair of running shoes. Godspeed, Joe Grant
I had numerous Comp cases with Joe on the other side and as mediator. He was a true pro and always brought an element of fun to the adversary case. Best wishes to the family.
Joe was a law school classmate at UNL, which is where I most remember his smiling face, sense of humor, and general all-around let’s have fun amongst our mutual miseries as law students. We never ran into each other during our legal careers but I was always aware of his expertise in workers compensation law. One vivid memory for me in law school was when Joe awarded me his hand-drawn “Traveling Choke Award” after I had nicely messed up a case description when called upon in Professor Snowden’s Criminal Law class, proof that his best medicine for life was a sense of humor. His was a life well lived. May he rest in peace and may God grant comfort and grace to his family and friends.
What a great friend, fraternity brother and roommate. All enjoyed time spent with Joe….
Although Joe was not a close personal friend of mine; I can tell what a genuinely good man he was by the reactions of others to his passing. He certainly touched many with his kindness. Rest in peace Joe….
I hope the family finds some peace in knowing the impact joe had on so many. As John would say: here is a great man.
Joe and I went to grade school together, played little league together, went to Creighton Prep and practiced law in the same specialty. He was always a friend and always there when you needed a helping hand. His was truly a life well lived. My condolences to Mary and his children. I was most fortunate to have known Joe.
Joe was a wonderful, fun friend decades ago. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Joe was smart, funny and the unofficial social chairman of our law school class. His legendary parties made the endless studying tolerable. Thankfully these occurred in the days before cell phones recorded everything, although he usually wrote summaries of these events and posted them on the bulletin boards at school. My deepest sympathy to all of the Grants.
Mary, your and Joe’s entire community share in your sorrow. I pray that a flight of angles will carry your broken heart when it is too heavy to hold.
Always a proud graduate of Nebraska Law. He was the social chair of the law school & 1 of the funniest people I have ever known. I am also proud to be told that he had one of the most female friendly law firms in Omaha which is not a surprise. I loved all of the Grants.
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. We had a number of cases against each other over the years. He was a good lawyer and kind and gracious friend. He will be greatly missed.
I am deeply saddened by this and my condolences go out to his family. Joe was a great person, professionally and personally. He could shift from pedantic legal details to beer and sports on a dime. He was truly one of one. Miss you, Joe.
Oh my. This is such sad news. I had the privilege of appearing opposite of Joe and later mediating perhaps a dozen cases with him. Consummate professional and quick with a smile and a joke that would only ever put himself down and not others. My condolences to his family and to Paul and the other great lawyers at Prentiss Grant. I am so sorry for your loss.
What a great man. God Bless him and his family.
Very sorry for your loss. Thankful for the life joy he spread – which will continue on through your children, grandchildren, and all the lives he touched. God bless the Grant & Pritchard Families.
I first met Joe Grant at Creighton Prep. He was on the state championship cross country team. But what he was really known for at Prep were his skits at football pep rallies where he entertained the entire school. No easy task! He was a natural comedian.
My son and one of Joe’s sons played little league baseball together and I saw him at some games. Always the same Joe with a funny remark.
Joe will be deeply missed by his family and friends. But he lived a great life!
Good man. One of the funniest individuals that I’ve known. He will be missed.!!!!
I was one of Joe’s Law School classmates. I miss the Hat Parties that Joe and his roommates held for us during law school and will always have fond memories of all the things that happened with him during law school. I will miss Joe’s smile and his sense of humor. Even after law school whenever I saw Joe, he still had that smile and sense of humor. Mary, I am very sorry for your Loss. He will be missed.
Many people have different circles of friends. Joe was the hub to dozens of such circles. Every individual, and that is probably thousands of people, would describe Joe as one of their best friends. Julie and I are saddened for the time we won’t have with you in the future. Do me a favor and meet me at the gate when I get there someday.
Sad news. Joe was a great guy and a great lawyer. He helped a lot of people resolve their disputes. Sincere condolences to his family.
Joe was a good friend and all around great guy. Any interaction with Joe made for a better day. My condolences to Mary and the Grant family.
I did not know him well but we were in the same law school class, so I knew him a little. I recall his “Hat Parties.” I wore some silly hat to our first year completion party. I’m not a silly hat guy, which attests to Joe’s ability shake things up. It’s often stuff like that that you remember.
Joe had the rare gift of making anyone he encountered just feel better. I, like so many others, will miss that warmth and wit. To Mary, family, and friends, our condolences.
I was privileged to have been a friend, colleague, and client of Joe’s. He was always there to answer any of my workers’ compensation questions. We had a few basketball battles when we coached our sons’ middle school basketball games. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of the Grant family. Chuck Dorwart
I am sorry and surprised to read of Joe’s passing. I lost contact with him after law school, so I had no knowledge of his health journey. Joe was one of the incredibles: always up and ready for whatever came next. My most sincere condolences go to Joe’s family.
I met Joe as a classmate at UNL law school. What a fun guy! Then years later he became my law partner. And still a fun guy! But also a good friend, excellent lawyer and the energizer bunny. He was one of a kjnd….the good kind!
Joe’s Hat Parties were not to be missed. I had the pleasure of hosting him at our Kearney office several times for his mediations in Greater Nebraska. When he asked what consideration he could provide for using our space, I suggested “a 12-pack” which he gladly supplied! Best wishes to Joe’s family.
i was a law clerk for Joe in the mid 80s. He was a mentor and good friend to me. He will be missed.
What a shock! Good man, fun loving, classy lawyer. He will be missed. Vic laPuma
I had the privilege of working with Joe on many cases over the years. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. my sincere condolences to his family.
Mary,
I hope knowing the positive impact Joe had on so many is a comfort to you and your beautiful family. ,
In my 30 years at The Daily Record I worked with many lawyers. While I didn’t know Joe well (wish I had) I was good friends with his father and brother and nephew. The Grants are some of the finest people I know. The whole family has earned all of the kudos in these condolences. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I’m afraid we will not see the likes of this family dynasty again. I am so grateful I was able to share a little time with them. Sending up prayers.
Joe was always a pleasure to work against as an opposing counsel or to work with as your mediator. Smart, honest, kind and friendly were his hallmarks. He always brought energy and optimism to every case, every meeting, and every conversation. We suffered a great loss this week. We miss you already, Joe. My condolences to Joe’s family. Joe was a treasure loaned to us for a little while but will inspire us forever.
We were so very sorry to hear of Joe’s
passing. He was an honest, stand-up kind of man. He was a great attorney and always willing to help out others, His wit and sense of humor were unequaled.
Our condolences to Mary and his children and grands. May the Lord comfort all of you now.
I met Joe as a classmate in law school in 1978. He because a friend and confidant. You form a special bond with law school classmates and I certainly had one with Joe. As already mentioned, the epic hat parties are still fresh in my memory. We practiced in different areas of law but I always saw him and spent time with him at the annual Bar meetings. To Mary and his family, you all were very lucky to have Joe in your life and I know you all will miss his smile. I am very sorry for your loss.
Joe was the friendliest, warmest, happiest, and funniest person on the planet. His positive energy, wise quips and outlook on life brought everyone happiness. We are blessed to have experienced “Joe Grant”. My heart breaks for your family. May he be with you in spirit and memory and lots of laughter!
I am so sorry for your loss. I have not seen Joe in years but I have fond memories of Young Lawyer gatherings. (The hat party comment above – I think I still have the photo of me in a pith helmet.) Joe was one of the wittiest people I know and a credit to the profession.
I was a law clerk in 2000-2001 at the firm where Joe was then a partner. He treated me with respect and kindness and believed in my abilities. He was always willing to offer advice when I would seek it and exuded joy in his work every day. I still think of him from time to time, and am grateful for the privilege to have known him, even for a short time.
In every circumstance, Joe Grant set such a remarkable example of how to live life and to face adversity. He was among the finest human beings a person could ever know.
I’ve carried a good memory of Joe since he was rush chairman for the Fiji Fraternity the summer of 1976 and we returned smiles when we bumped into each other as undergraduates and later when I was a first year law student (both at UNL). He continues to make me smile years later when I think of him. The memory from the summer of 1976 occurred when he was rushing me after hours at the public swimming pool in Sidney. Another Fiji had “allegedly” gotten special permission to use the pool after hours (he was a lifeguard).. Of course a friendly local constable kicked us out of the pool.. Joe handled the situation with grace, humor, and wit.And I’ ve smiled about the incident and Joe whenever it crosses my mind for the past 48 years. I believe Joe is remembered by hundreds of others he touched incidentally through the years. My sincere condolences and I will light a candle for him and his family. Godspeed Noe.You deserve it.
I can’t add to all the comments about Joe he was an exceptional person we needed to clone him All that new him have nothing but praise for him as they should He and Paul will always be in my heart as the best bosses I have ever had they could teach us all about being kind and understanding. Joe I will never forget you God willing we will meet again one day Mary and family he was so proud of all of you, The was a time Lucy was in a wedding and Joe insisted that Lucy out shined the bride You we’re so blessed having Joe as the head of family
Such a solid guy. I was fortunate to hang out with Joe through the Westside crew at the 18th Amendment starting in the early 80’s, continuing in occasion through our respective legal careers. Joe will be missed by many.
What wonderful testimonials from so many people that Joe touched during the various chapters of his life! I always suspected that Joe had many “best” friends, but the number of people that have held Joe in their hearts through the years is staggering. How lucky we have been to know such an exceptional guy. Joe’s legacy is in the family that will carry his kindness, spirit and wit forward. God Bless the Grant & Pritchard families as they navigate this profound loss. Love you all.
My condolences to the Grant family. I did not know Joe as long as others but he always treated me as a life-long friend. As good a human being as you can be and I was truly blessed to have met him. Godspeed Joe.
My husband, Joe Ramirez, and I are heartsick to read about Joe’s death. We both loved Joe . . . his wit, his kindness, his abiding friendship, his down-to-earth, good hearted way of living . . . and practicing law. Joe G. and I were law school classmates, (my husband was a year ahead of us in law school) and like others who have signed this Guestbook, we remember the law school “hat parties” that Joe instigated. He was so fun to be around. A good guy to the core. Rest in peace, Joe. It was an honor to call you our friend, and we will miss you always.
Oh, the memories of a law school classmate. So many good times, so close together for so long. Until I got the notice, I was unaware of Joe’s recent challenges and I’ll miss the smile, the laugh, and the endless memories of stress relief during law school that Joe provided. my best to Joe’s family and to you, my brother,, rest easy.
Joe was a special guy who made everyone in the room feel special too. He was smart, funny, kind, curious and empathetic. Joe will be missed by all who counted him a friend but, above all, by his family. Prayers and comfort to Mary and all in the Grant family.
I met Joe when I was a young lawyer with the workers’ compensation court. He was always kind and understanding when. I would ask questions about settlements I was reviewing. We had some good conversations and talked about our families, (I remember when Lucy and Gigi were born), and he would occasionally give me career advice. I haven’t talked with him in years, but I will always think of him fondly. My condolences to Joe’s family and friends. He will be missed.
My sympathies to Joe’s family and wide world of friends. We first met when we co-chaired the renewal of the “Fiji-Tau Tussle” between the NU Phi Gams and ATOs —- a day of contests, social hour, dance. We came up with a script to announce events and a play by play of the games using a bullhorn. I started, thought I was funny, then it was Joe’s turn —- you can guess the rest. A photo of me and Joe at the Tussle is one of my favorites. Always enjoyed a quick visit with Joe during law school and at bar meetings. A good man and a good life.
We are beyond sad!!! Love you so Cuz!!! Going to miss you!!
Joe and I were classmates beginning in 1978 at the University of Nebraska School of Law. Joe was the kindest, most gentle, pleasant man. Joe left his joyful heart to all of us who knew him. Joe’s spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us who knew him. His smile lights up my face as I remember this remarkable man. Thank you, Mary, for sharing him with us. I am forever grateful.
I never knew a finer man or a finer lawyer. He will be missed by so many.
Joe and I were class mates in law school. The class of 1981 was a great one. I got to know Joe much better once he became a mediator. He was a great mediator; a bull dog w/ a good sense of humor, just at the right time. Plus a beer or two afterwards was a great way to end a successful mediation. He was also a car guy, and we enjoyed greatly that interaction. Above all Joe was just so genuine. I always looked forward to seeing him and he never failed to brighten my day. He was truly a gift from God.
Ah, Joe, goodbye dear friend. Condolences to all his family and everyone who will miss him. A good man.
Joe gave me my first “law job” when he hired me as a law clerk at Mattson Ricketts in the early 1980’s and he was always there for me when I had a question or needed advice. Mary, I remember your wedding and Joe telling me before how lucky he was that you were marrying him. So many will miss Joe in so many ways, but we are all better because he was part of our life and we can enjoy our memories of him.
My condolences got Mary and the entire Grant Damily.
God got a Good Man Today!
As many will attest, Joe made everyone he met a better human being.
Joe Grant-LEGEND!
Mary, Tom, Dan, Lucy and Gigi – I know there are no words on earth that are able to express a loss of this magnitude. I knew Joe for several years before I even knew he was an attorney. To me he was that super fun, but sometimes kind of intense dad at the ballpark cheering everyone on. Little did I know back then that I’d end up having the pleasure of working with him from time to time in a professional capacity and I learned a lot from him. Now, seeing tributes to him from both defense and plaintiff attorneys reinforces what a terrific attorney he was, but what I will always remember first and foremost, is what a great family man he was and how he always spoke of all of you with love. Nate and Abby and I will be thinking of you in the days to come and we all wish you peace and comfort in your memories.
Joe had an ardent nature. He recognized life’s difficulties but was never discouraged. He was silly, playful and irreverent, but also thoughtful, honest and spiritual. He would laugh at us saying so, but Joe was a Zen master of sorts. The world is not the same without Joe, but his buoyant spirit will continue to carry us forward. May God bless and keep you always Joe!
I’m real sorry.
We lost one of the great ones. Joe set a fine example of how to practice law and live life. He was one of the most intelligent, capable, personable attorneys, I have had the pleasure of trying cases against. He was an outstanding mediator achieving many fair settlements. He was a friend you could confide in that made a positive impact through his care and support. I will miss you Joe!
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was truly one of the best, funniest and thoughtful people I have ever worked with. Peace and comfort to you all.
I have not known a kinder man. Joe was filled with integrity and humility.. On any occasion it was joyful to be with Joe, smiles and laughs soon followed. I feel so very blessed our families grew up together.. Godspeed Joe Grant, a very short trip to heaven.
Joe was one of my best buddies at Creighton Prep.
Especially during junior year when we did everything together..
I moved away and although we didn’t see each other often, when we did it was like old times.
Joe will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend.
Mark Haniszewski
Prep 74
Grateful for having the chance to be a friend of Joe’s…he helped me to set the record for blind dates at UNL and became my hero. My condolences to his wonderful family and friends.
Joe Grant had more friends then anyone on this planet. One reason is because when he was with you, he made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He let you know that your friendship mattered a lot to him.. He has always been a loyal and dedicated husband, father, and friend. And his capacity to love so many was unmatched. We will miss him greatly but i will always be thankful that I had the opportunity to know and share a lot of laughs with such an amazing human being.. My love and sympathy goes out to the entire grant family. They are a beautiful family..
I would be remiss if I didn’t remember Joe here. I echo all of the sentiments stated by his friends and family — that he was warm and kind and smart and irreverent and so damn funny. I will also remember Joe for his writing. That man could write! He had a mastery of the English language that he often wielded in humorous firm-wide memos on various topics of law. I will also always remember how touchingly, and funnily, he wrote about Dan’s journey on CaringBridge way back when. Joe Grant could turn a phrase. I have saved all of his emails over the years on substantive changes to the law. But, when I need to revisit those emails, what I am most often struck by is his vocabulary. And how he could infuse even the driest subject with humor. Joe was singular in that way. In many ways. God bless you, Joe. I hope heaven is as tony as you thought it would be.
Mary and family, I was very saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Keeping all of you in my heart and prayers as you celebrate his remarkable life.
Sending our deepest sympathy to Mary and family. May Joe’s memory be eternal.
I am very sorry to hear about the recent death of my friend Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. Joe was a wonderful lawyer and an even better person. He was a credit to our profession. Joe was a man of integrity who deeply cared about others. He will be missed. God bless Joe Grant. May he rest in peace.
We met the Grant family thru CTK school, our kids and the Grant kids shared classes together. Meeting Joe and Mary was a gift, we may not have recognized that gift until later on, but it was true gift. The kids were raised the right way and you could tell that by how they treated others. Being with Joe at the Sport club meetings and banquets over the years is a memory that just makes you laugh. Joe had a way of making the room brighter. He also spent several years learning more about the scripture readings with my mother, Rosemary, and she always let me know it. She would tell me about Joe and Jim Dennell meeting together and how I wasn’t there, thanks Joe!!! Mary and Family, we are so sorry for you loss, we will keep you in our prayers.
Mary, sorry for your loss. Joe was quite a character and always enjoyed catching up with him. After law school and then moving from Omaha back to York 31 years ago, I’m sorry we didn’t see each other more often. I called him about a month ago, and had a nice chat. Take Care. Bob “Woody” Woodruff
No one in our law school class (Class of 1981) could ever forget Joe Grant. What a sense of humor! He had a remarkable ability to brighten the day for his classmates and, I am sure, his professors. My sympathies go out to Joe’s family.
Mary and family, we are so sorry to hear about Joe!! Such a great sense of humor and so kind. Sending prayers and hugs to all of you. We are out of town so we could not be in attendance
Cathy and I just learned of Joe’s passing and we are deeply saddened. I first met Joe when our daughter Emma was playing CTK soccer with the Grant girls. He was the kindest, caring man I ever met. He was a wonderful and witty person and a true gentleman and a gentle man. I still remember his humor at a sports banquet as he struggled to get people in their seats, “If I were a lesser man…”. He was a giant of a man. We are all better people for the brief time Joe and his wonderful family touched our lives.
I knew Joe on many levels. He was always a pleasure to run into somewhere.. I will miss that.Such a loss
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