Granger, Dr. Clarence & Marguerite Fund

Donor Fund Story:

This fund was established in 2015 by Dr. Thomas Jansen the trustee of the Dr. Clarence & Marguerite Granger Foundation. Trustee Dr. Thomas Jansen approached the community foundation about this transfer of wealth becoming endowed funds that will continue to grow and provide income to several organizations in the Kendallville area. Dr. Jansen, a founding board member of the community foundation and a community leader for several organizations, stated “I think this is a smart move that should be left to an organization such as our community foundation, which will help it grow and assist many non-profits for generations to come!”

Dr. Jansen as the principal Trustee, transferred all assets of the Dr. Clarence & Marguerite Granger Foundation in the amount of $200,830 to the community foundation in mid-December. This endowed fund will be a designated fund that will provide annual support to four worthy organizations; Noble County Council on Aging; Anthony Wayne Boy Scout Council – For Camp Chief Little Turtle; Kendallville Day Care Center; and the Cole Center Family YMCA –For the Preschool Program. These organizations will receive grants from the fund on an annual basis each year in September.

Dr. Granger was a local optometrist who practiced in downtown Kendallville from 1927 until his retirement in 1973. Dr. Granger died in March of 1981 at age 86, his wife Marguerite Granger passed in April 1970. Dr. Granger was a lifetime member of the local Elks Lodge #1194 and a member of F. & A.M. #276 lodge for more than fifty years plus a member and past president of the Kendallville Lions Club since 1929. He also helped in organizing the Kendallville Chamber of Commerce where he served as past president and a director for six years. Prior to his death he and his wife created their private foundation.