Cody James Gradwell

Cody James Gradwell, of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, passed away in early August 2024, at the age of 31. Cody was born on March 17, 1993. He grew up in St. Johns, MI and graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in International Relations. Upon graduation he joined the Peace Corps and was stationed in Mongolia. Upon leaving the Peace Corps he accepted a teaching position at Orchlon International School where he was a dedicated and much loved teacher by his students and colleagues alike. He was especially proud of his students and watching them succeed in the World Scholars Cup, where they brought home more than 165 gold, silver, and bronze medals. His colleagues remember him as selfless and humble with effortless cool. His students looked forward to his compelling interactive lessons and the reward of "Cody Cash" (candy) for a job well done.

Cody loved learning new things. He was especially great at music. He was self taught on the guitar, drums and other instruments. He would often be found exploring music from all countries, genres, and decades as he was interested in all forms of music.



He was an avid reader and always had several books he was reading at one time. Usually these involved world politics, world history, travel and occasionally some fiction.

He was an expert at Excel and created complicated formulas to make life easier for anyone who needed assistance, whether it was for genealogy, grading, teacher record keeping, or anything else you might need.

He was trained in several martial arts and settled on jiu jitsu as his preferred sport. He was once able to use those skills to save someone from a violent situation. He loved hiking and camping in remote areas enjoying nature and the solitude that came with it. He loved canoeing down the Maple River with his friends. He was a Redwings fan through and through. He always tried to watch the games while in Mongolia, even if it meant he had to lose some sleep to do it.

He loved to travel the world. He would often extend his trips home and back to Mongolia with side trips to multiple destinations. The more remote, and less traveled the better.

He showed us all that happiness isn't found in material things, but in the experiences we cherish and the people we love. We will miss him forever.

Cody is survived by his Mother, Chris (Gary) Dusseau. His brothers and sisters, Greg (Nita) Pearce, Kim (Jino) Pearce, Stephanie (Alex) Tenelshof, Shaelynn Dusseau, Brandon (Alyssa) Dusseau, Mackenzie Dusseau, Lauren (Cam) Dusseau and his grandparents Gerald and Suzanne Bengry. Also surviving are many loving Aunts and Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.

Cody is preceded in death by his father Gordon Brian Gradwell and his grandparents Gordon and Eunice Gradwell.

Services will be held at Grove Bible Church on September 6, 2024 at 4:00. Followed by a gathering at Ryans Roadhouse 5:30-8:30 in St Johns.