Shirley & Richard Grams

Shirley Ann Grams (87) passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Her husband, Richard Reinhold Grams (90), followed her to their heavenly home on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Shirley was born in La Crosse, WI., July 22,1935, to Marcella and William Trapp. She attended First Lutheran Grade School in La Crosse, WI. and Dr. Martin Luther High School in New Ulm, MN.

Richard was born on December 13, 1932, in New Ulm, MN., to Emma and Julius Grams. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Grade School and New Ulm High School.  Richard was the youngest of their 11 children. He is survived by his brother Walter Grams, of New Ulm, MN. and his sister, Elizabeth (Betty) LeVitre of Mpls., MN.

Shirley and Richard met in New Ulm while she was there attending high school and so began their love story. They were married at First Lutheran Church in La Crosse, on November 10,1956. They celebrated a marriage of 67 years. They were blessed with 5 children, 13 grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren.

They are survived by their children, Vicky (Mike) Gates of La Crosse,WI., and their children, Nicole (Sam) Boyles and their children, Hayden, Maren, Leightyn and Harper of Savage, MN., Virginia (Justin) Loehr and their children Ava, Hattie and Louis of La Crosse,WI.,Steven (Alyssa) and their children, Marlie, Ivie and Archie of Little Chute, WI, Michael (Serin Kang) Gates and their baby, due in October, of Busan, South Korea  and Timothy Gates (Mackenzie Curtis) of La Crosse,WI. Thomas (Karen) Grams of La Crosse, WI., and his children, Amanda (Casey Konrad) of La Crosse, WI. and Bryce (Elisabeth) and their children, Ethan and Aiden of La Crosse, WI.  Kari Grams of La Crosse, WI. and her children, Jacob Burner (Hannah Biesterveld) of Holmen, WI. and Joseph (Cayla Lindsey O’Bryan, fiancé) Burner of Minot, North Dakota, and her stepdaughter, Brianna (Cindy) Belanger, and their son, Cameron, of Escanaba, Michigan.  Ron Grams of Springbrook, WI.  Scott (Jodi) Grams of Galesville,WI. and his children Samantha (Dayton Keenan, fiancé, and his son, Samuel and their baby due in January) Grams of Galesville, WI. and Shawna (Zeke) Hellerude and their children, Hadley and Saylor of Trempealeau,WI.,and Scott and Jodi’s children, Zachary and Emma of Galesville, WI.

Shirley’s family kept her very busy with their many activities. She was involved in the First Lutheran School Mother’s Club for many years. Shirley was an avid reader. She also loved to clean! Shirley loved her devotions and her daily journaling. She baked the best chocolate chip cookies and loved to collect … a lot of things! She found time to work at the Bodega, Applewood Apothecary and The Olive Branch. She volunteered at the New Life Resource Center and was active in SOCM during the Gulf War.

Richard was very proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1951-1955. After they married, he worked at the La Crosse Cooler Company, Gateway Foods and Fleming Foods. He very much enjoyed his years working carpentry with Paul Nichols after his retirement. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening and potting many flowers every spring. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children. Richard was a joker to the end and earned the title of Goofy Grandpa from his grandchildren. He also loved to confuse everyone by speaking German, the language he grew up with.

They both enjoyed going for car rides which often times ended up at a Casino. Thru the years, they had many pets which brought them so much joy. Mom and Dad loved their family and rejoiced with every new birth. Dad loved Mom with his whole heart. It was his purpose everyday to take care of her.

Their friends, Donna and Jim Pangier, were very special to them and we thank them for the many visits to Mom and Dad.

Memorials can be given to Luther High School, First Lutheran School / Church and New Life Resource Center. (located at Mt. Calvary Grace Lutheran School - 1614 Park Ave. La Crosse)

Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 1st, 2023 at 11:00 AM at First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Rev. Richard Pamperin will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of services.