Joseph Grams

Joseph Grams was a man of great integrity, honor, and strength. He worked hard throughout his life, yet made the time to enjoy each and every day. Joe treasured the family he created with the love of his life with whom he shared more than 60 years of marriage. Nothing could have prepared Joe for the joy that being a grandfather would bring as it was his family that was his true reward. Joes abiding faith gave him both the strength for each day and the joy in his step, and it was apparent by the way he lived his life that his faith always guided his way. He leaves behind a rich legacy that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow him. During a year in which the Wrigley Building was completed, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote, and new radio stations hit the airwaves daily, 1922 was a great year to be an American. It was during this exciting and prosperous year that Otto and Margaret (Herbert) Grams were rejoicing in the birth of their son, Joseph Robert, on July 14th. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Joe was the fifth of six children in his family joining older siblings Elizabeth, August, Margaret, and Emma, and younger sister Marcella. Joes father worked as the head of the Muskegon water filtration plant, but he died when Joe was only seven. Joes mother worked hard to support her family, taking in laundry and doing whatever she needed to in order to make ends meet. Joe lived in the family home in a neighborhood called Squirrel City, located right next to the Muskegon Country Club. At times, he worked as a caddy there, developing a lifelong love for golf. Joe attended Bunker School and then went on to Muskegon High School, and he played football during both junior high and high school. Because the Great Depression of the thirties caused nationwide hardship, Joe left school before graduating in order to work to help support his family. Life was forever changed for Joe when his sister Emma introduced him to her co-worker, Phyllis Johnson. Joe and Phyllis began dating and were married on July 24, 1942. It wasnt long before the couple became the proud parents of their first child, Carol, in 1943. Their family of three was soon separated, however as Joe was drafted into the United States Army during WWII. He was shipped overseas where he valiantly fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Joe made lifelong friends with many of his fellow soldiers and while they were apart, he and Phyllis corresponded through letters. While he was still overseas, their daughter Sandra was born prematurely, and Phyllis never stopped praying for her husbands safe return. After he was discharged, Joe returned to Muskegon, and they lived in Ruddiman Terrace along with many other families of returning servicemen. The kids loved it there and in 1946, their family grew to include daughter Nancy. She was later followed by the births of Robert in 1952 and Kathleen in 1957. During the mid-fifties, the family moved to Roosevelt Park where they built their dream home on Haverhill Road. Over the years, Joe held down a variety of jobs. He initially worked as a machinist at Brunswick, but he left to take a job as a supervisor for Continental Motors. When they moved to Roosevelt Park, Joe worked part-time as a police officer there. After retiring early from Continental Motors, Joe worked the counter at Hunter Hughes Plumbing Supply before becoming a member of the grounds crew at Muskegon Country Club. He always joked that he started and ended his career at the country club! Those who knew Joe knew there were so many things that made him one of a kind. The Grams family was lifelong members of Samuel Lutheran Church where they were very active. Joe served on the church council and played on their bowling and golf leagues. He and Phyllis were very frugal and watched every penny. They checked their budget on a daily basis, making sure to spend their money only where they planned to, always donating to the church first. This lifestyle allowed them to live comfortably through the years. In the mid-sixties, Joe quit smoking so that he could afford to become a member of the Lincoln Country Club where he satiated his love for golf. Later in life, Joe completed his education, earning his GED and even taking some college classes. He was so proud to say that he earned all As, too! Spending time with others always topped Joes list. He and Phyllis belonged to the Vikings, the American Legion, the Mona Shores Lions Club, and the Muskegon Moose Lodge where they liked going to fish dinners and dances. They also made annual trips to Joes Army reunions wherever they were held around the country. During his retirement years, Joe served on the city council in Roosevelt Park, and he also served as mayor for a time. Although many of these interests kept him busy, nothing took precedence over spending time with his family. They were a close-knit group who enjoyed being together. Joe cherished his children and grandchildren and together with Phyllis, they attended as many of their grandchildrens activities as they could. During the sunset of his life, there were both easy and hard times for Joe. In 2004, he was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved wife. He remained in their home for several more years, but later moved into assisted living at Sanctuary At the Oaks. There, he endeared himself to the staff and other residents and took part in many of their activities. Joe never wanted to be a burden to his family and desired to remain independent as well. He treasured the frequent visits from his children and sometimes went to see his children and grandchildren. Joe also got out for church whenever he could. With Joe Grams, you always knew what he thought since he never shied away from speaking his mind. He was social and independent, and he lived an active full life loving his family above all else. Joe will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Joseph R. Grams died on Sunday, August 29, 2010. Joes family includes his daughters, Carol (Gil) Vanas of Roosevelt Park, Sandra (Larry) Lager of Richland, Nancy Johnson of Norton Shores, Kathleen (Glenn) Hall of Otsego; son, Robert (Diana) Grams of St. Charles MO; grandchildren, Brian Johnson, Bradley (Lauren) Johnson, Matt (Gail) Lager, Melissa (Joe) Pfenning, Daniel Lager, Brent (Genevieve) Johnson, Jeremiah (Stephen) Williams, Josh Grams, Courtney (Terry) Patterson, Jennifer Hall, David Hall; 13 great-grandchildren, Derek, Micah, Emily, Travis, Nathaniel, Hannah, Magdalena, David, Veronica, Isabella, Rebecca, Joy & Maizie Mae. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis in 2004, 1 brother & 4 sisters. A service will be held on Thursday, September 2, 2010, 12:00 p.m. at Samuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Lewis Glick officiating. Interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Visit with Joes family and friends on Thursday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Samuel Lutheran Church.