"MY GRANDPA A bitter old man, that's what I first see, But when I think about it, that was just me. I didn't see much, but there was so much more, All the little things, there was to love and adore. Now he is gone, I miss him like crazy, even if at times, he came across as lazy. Because I just saw the end, not everything before. There was a time he was ready for war. I know this all now, it's hard to take. I wish I saw it then, but now it's too late. The things I remember, aren't always the best. They were little things, like the way he dressed. The trucker hats, the cowboy boots, the snap on shirts, always with the suit. Then the other things, what he would always do. They never did change, even as I grew. The long naps, read all the news. The pioneer press, was the only he refused. Then of course no John Deere for Stan, even if I was, a huge John Deere fan. But that didn't matter he loved me the same, even if something happened, and I was to blame. I'll love him forever, it will never end. Even if I lost, a lifetime friend. He might be gone, but what he wants I know, for me to move on and to take this and grow. We weren't the same, but not far apart. I know we were both, always in each others heart. I loved him, and he loved me, this may be with end, but it's how it has to be. So I will move on, just like he wanted, and he'll go to heaven, and always keep me guarded. "
In loving memory of
Stanford "Stan" Grams
March 19, 1942 - October 18, 2010
Stanford "Stan" Harold Grams was born on March 19, 1942, in Windom, Minnesota to the late Harold E. and Elizabeth Leone (Hubin) Grams. He was baptized in Storden, Minnesota and later confirmed at the Delafield Lutheran Church in rural Windom. He received his early education in the Wilder Public School before attending Windom Public Schools where he graduated in the Class of 1960. From 1961-1964, Stan was a member of the Minnesota National Guard.
On April 10, 1965, Stan was united in marriage to Louanne Rae Meyer at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimball Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Sandi, Randy and Wade. After marriage, Stan and Louanne made their home in Delafield Township where Stan farmed for many years until 1982. During this time, he also was a seed corn dealer. In 1987, Stan started working for MN DOT in building maintenance until he fully retired after twenty-one years of service in 2008. After retirement, Stan looked forward to spending time with his weekly Hardee's group and the Delafield coffee crew on Saturday's and Sunday's.
Last weekend, Stan became suddenly ill after a fall and was taken to the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he passed away on Monday, October 18, 2010, at the age of 68.
Stan was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Windom where he was active as an usher (1965-present) and on the board of trustees (1976-1982). Stan was also active in his community as a member of the Windom Lions Club, a member of the United Fund Drive in Jackson County (1972-present), a 4-H Project Leader, on the Board of Directors at the Windom Co-op Elevator (1979-1983) and a member of the Delafield Town Board (2008-present).
Stan's enjoyments in life were farming-which never left his heart, snowmobiling, camping and hunting in his earlier years, playing cards, visiting with others, time on Fish Lake, trips to the Jackson County and State Fairs, and most of all, his family, especially his grandchildren whom he was very proud of.
Stan is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Louanne Grams of rural Windom; two children, Sandi (Allen) Bartosh of Windom and their children, Hannah and Zachary; Randy (Kim) Grams of Northport, FL and their children Tyler, Jasmine and Levi; sister-in-law, Joyce Meyer of Lakefield; two brother-in-laws, Glen Meyer of Perham and Roger Ahrens of Newton, KS; and nieces and nephews.
Stan is preceded in death by his parents; son, Wade Grams; and sister, Karen (Grams) Ahrens.
Blessed be the memory of Stan Grams.
Tributes
"My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss Louann. I just sat and chatted with Stan at the Sat. Breakfast for our 50th Class reunion. We will all miss him"
"Louann, and Family Our Hearts are with you at this difficult time. Peace be with you and yours"
"In his Light, may you find comfort. Blessed be the memory of Stan."
"Louann, Sandy and families. Our sincere sympathies go out to all of you. I'll miss Stan at the hockey games. I can't believe he is gone. My first thought was that he is at peace and he is seeing Wade again. Sorry I didn't come to the funeral, I'm coming down with a cold and didn't think anyone needed to catch it. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God's peace be with you. I'll call you to do coffee (pop)/lunch one of these days soon. Love, Kay "
"Louann, Sandy, Randy and family members: I extend my sympathy and prayers to you on Stan's sudden passing. Treasure all the memories you have and in time it is hoped that they will help you find peace. What comfort to know that Wade is with his father again. What a reunion that must have been. God bless each of you at this difficult time with the peace and love or our Lord."
"To the Grams family. So sorry to hear of Stan's passing. I did not know Stan well but we will pray for your peace during this difficult time. Losing a dad is hard but keep talking to him! He can hear you!"
"Grams family- We are sorry to hear about your dad passing away we are thinking of your family at this difficult time in your life."
"To the entire Grams family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and this very sad time. May God comfort you."
"Grams Family, God's Blessings all of you during this difficult time. Char Carlson & family"
"I miss you grampa. I love you and tell uncle wade hi and watch over grandma for us! "
"Blessed with the memory of Stan. "
"Louanne and family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve your loss. As you share this time of sorrow as a family, may you draw strength and hope from one another remembering your loved one's life together. God Bless You."
"Rest in peace, Stan. God Bless!"
"Dear Grams family,We are so sorry for your loss!! What a shock!!Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.May God give you peace and comfort during this time and in the time ahead!Know that we are here and we love you!God bless!!"
"Delafield township will never be the same. Be at peace, Stan. We will miss you."
"To all of Stan's beloved family - our thoughts and prayers remain with you as you grieve the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. May the memories of wonderful times spent together, remain in your hearts forever. Sincere sympathy,"
"Grams families~~Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your loved one..oomfort and Prayers are sent your way....."
"To Sandy and family. We are so sorry to hear of Stan's passing. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Please take care and know that God has a special home for Stan now."
"Louanne, I hold you in my prayers with the loss of your husband, rest in the arms of Jesus and let him comfort you!"
"We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you all in prayer. Thinking of you. Kent & Tera Elness & kids"
"In memory of Stan.....may he rest in peace~"
"Louanne and family, We're so sorry to hear of Cousin Stan's sudden passing. Our sympathy and love to each of you at this sad time. "
"Neighbors & Friends You are now at peace in the loving arms of Jesus"
"Louanne and family, I was very close to Stan growing up on a farm near where he grew up. It is with tear filled eyes that we are separated for a short time from him but is with jubilation and great celebration that believers are welcomed into the presence of our holy God. The Bible is full of promises and one of my favorite given to us by Jesus our Savior, is found in John 14:2-3 as recorded beautifully in the King James version of the Bible: ?In my Fathers house are many mansions?. I go to prepare a place for you. ?I will come again, and receive you unto my self; that where I am, there you may be also.? May you find strength in God?s presence at this time?may his love be your comfort. We send you our love and the love of our Savior, Jesus. Have a happy forever. "
"To LuAnn & Family: Extending our deepest sympathy upon hearing of Stan's death. Our prayers are with you. Don & Jan Aden"
"Luann and family So sorry to hear of Stan,s passing. He is resting in peace with love ones. You all are in our prayers. Stan and Clara Johnson"
"To all the Grams family, We were all very sad to hear about Stan. We all have fond memories of him, even dad today mentioned some from work. Please know you are in our thought and prayers. He is now with Wade and Myron and all the rest of the family enjoying Gods blessings. Take care and God bless. Cindy & family"
"Here is a lit candle in Stan's memory."
"To Louann and family, It is hard to lose a loved one. I know. I will pray for your comfort."
"Sandy and family, I was so sorry to hear about Stan...what wonderful memories I have of him growing up! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. "
"Randy & family, we are so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. We are praying God's comfort and peace for you all. We love you! Evie, Danny & family"
"So sorry to hear about Stan. My prayers go out to all of you."
"Louanne, Sandi, Randy and Families, So sorry for the loss of your Husband, Dad and Grandpa. I will always remember Stan as a quiet man but always fun to be around. AND one of the only few these days that would always have his life jacket on in the boat on Fish Lake! God has welcomed another special Angel into Heaven and I know Wade and Uncle Myron were there too with smiles on their faces! Always cherish the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the difficult days ahead. Tom, Jody, Sam and Laura"
" I have been thinking about your family and praying that God will take care of each and every one of you in the days ahead. I am so sorry for your loss Laurie Behrens "
"Dear Grams Family, Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss. With Love & hugs, Dawn & Brianna"
"We will truly miss a wonderful classmate and friend! We got to see him at our 50th but I did not get a chancae to visit with him but my husband did. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to uAnn and the children. God bless you all."
"To The Grams Family- We were so sad to hear of the news of Stan falling and passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have many memories of Stan. Our kids remember going frogging with him in Florida.... He will be missed. Please lean on God in this time of sorrow- he will get you through. God Bless you all!! Love- Rick, Jenny, Taylor, Dylan and Shelby Graft "
"Sandy and Randy and the rest of the Grams family: I am so sorry for your loss. I know this is a difficult time but cherish the memories and let friends and family help you get through. my deepest sympathies. God bless!!!"
"Grams Family So sorry to hear the sudden passing of your husband, father, grandfather. He is looking down on you all and watching over you. Find peace and comfort knowing your friends and family care and are there if you need anything. God bless!!"
"Randy and Kim and the rest of the Grams family: I am so sorry to hear of the sudden death of Stan. It's certainly not an easy time but let friends and family help pull you through and rejoice in the happy memories! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all...I just lost my dad the 25th of September! God bless each of you!"
"Dear Friends, Such a shock to loose another classmate. What a wonderful friend Stan has been through the last 50+ years. There are so many memories that I have, not only of Stan, but of the Grams family. You have my most sincere and heartfelt sympathy. "