Viver Granzella “Junior”, 98, of Wheatland, MO, died December 25, 2024. He was preceded in
death by wife, Daisy, and grandson, Derek. He leaves son Daryl (Fran) Granzella, daughter
Doreen (Don) Rogers, and son Jerry (Debbie) Granzella, 5 grandchildren and 12 great
grandchildren. Jr. worked for KCFD for almost 30 years before retiring and becoming Chief for
the Richards Gebauer AFB fire department.
Jr. leaves behind a legacy of tireless work ethic and devotion to his family. Educated in multiple
trades with a natural curiosity in how systems work, he was always thinking 3 steps ahead; more
prepared and organized than most. These traits, coupled with his traditional values of love,
loyalty, and commitment to his wife, led to the development of he and Daisy’s dream home at
Pomme de Terre lake and almost 70 years of life together.
Despite never learning to swim himself, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to swim –
spending family vacations and summers on the lake teaching them to aquaplane, water ski, and
tube – as Captain of the boat. He and Daisy built their own little piece of heaven right on the
water; ultimately a place of comfort and peace for the entire family. He became a steady presence
in their Leawood cove community; joining the volunteer fire department, unofficially leading as
the behind-the-scenes mayor, and helped develop the neighborhood feel that remains today.
Junior dedicated himself to the love of his life, Daisy, in his most treasured role as her husband.
He even cared for her throughout a wearisome battle with Alzheimer’s – some would say they
were a real-life version of The Notebook.
Although he often presented as guarded and serious as a Dad, he shined in his roles as “Grandpa”
and “Great Grandpa.” He loved visits from the grand/great grandkids and would always light up
with a smile and a wave. His legacy lives on in memories made as “lake lifers” by the water.
Though our hearts are heavy, we are at peace knowing Junior and Daisy are reunited again.
“That’s my sweetheart…Wherever she is, that’s where my home is.”
-Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook