KENNETH L. GRAMS

Kenneth L. Grams

April 10, 1947-August 18, 2023

Kenneth L. Grams, age 76, of Fairfax, MN peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, MN.

Memorial Service will be on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax with interment in Fort Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota. Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard.

Kenneth Lee Grams was born April 10, 1947, to Vernon and Mabel (Sievert) Grams. He grew up in Fairfax and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1965. Ken served in the United States Army from June 1966 to April 1968. He was stationed in Vietnam at Qui Non/Phu Ty from January 1967 to April 1968 where he earned the rank E-5 before he was honorably discharged. When he returned to Fairfax, he continued working for Jerome Fahey Tiling, Inc.

On June 12, 1971, Ken was united in marriage to Sharleen Marlowe. Ken and Sharleen were blessed with three children. He worked for the City of Fairfax/Frontier Bar and Lounge for 29 years. Ken enjoyed being a bartender and visiting with patrons. When Ken was not behind the bar, you could still call him for whatever you needed.

Ken loved his family, and we were so lucky to have him in our lives. He was a dedicated husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. His humor, quick wit and gift of gab made him fun to be around and gained him many special friendships over the years. Ken enjoyed trips to the casinos, restaurants, grandchildren events and church services with Sharleen. He loved all Minnesota sports teams and kept up on all things political. Ken especially enjoyed being with his kids and grandchildren.

From a young age, Ken liked playing cards with family and friends. In 2001, Ken was dealt a bad hand when he was diagnosed with ALS. After an early retirement and quite a change of life, Ken relied on Sharleen to be his caregiver. She provided care to him for over 15 years. Rhonda Bubotlz also provided care during his last years at home. In 2018, Ken became a resident at the Harmony River Living Center. The staff at the facility provided the best care they could to Ken. He joked with the staff who treated him like family, gave them all special nicknames and chocolates.

Ken will always be in our hearts. Blessed be his memory.

Ken is survived by his wife, Sharleen of Fairfax; children, Wade (Katie) Grams of Fairfax, Amy (Steve) Domeier of Credit River and Jason Grams of Fairfax; grandchildren, Ariella, Brent and Andy; great-grandchildren, Mary and Marcus; aunt, Janice Sievert; sister-in-law, Lenora Houldson; brothers-in-law, Gary (Phyllis) Marlowe and Merlin (Transito) Marlowe; other relatives and many great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Mabel Grams, and in-laws, Gordon and Lauretta Marlowe.

Arrangements by Hauser-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Fairfax, MN. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com