Gregg Athmann

Obituary

Gregg Stephan Athmann was born on October 26th, 1950, to Othmar “Ottie” and Muriel (Tews) Athmann in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

He received his education through Hutchinson public schools and graduated in 1968, as a member of the National Honor's Society. While in school, he was a member of the FFA as well as the speech and debate clubs, winning national trips in each. Also in high school, Gregg participated in theater and music, and was cast in the lead role of Curly in the musical Oklahoma.

Gregg was a second-generation member of the Acoma Acorns 4-H Club and actively pursued gardening. He won many State Fair trips for his efforts and was a 4-H Ambassador.

On July 8th, 1972, Gregg married Lila Mae Kiecker at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. They remained married until 1994, but stayed as friends until his death. They had a daughter, Alexis (Athmann) Guthrie.

Ottie and Gregg worked as both farmers and woodworkers, with Gregg carrying on the woodworking tradition after his father passed. He created mugs, tankards, goblets, glasses, bowls, and more and sold them at different Renaissance Fairs and Festivals. In 2003, he purchased a building at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival where he continued to showcase his wares for the next 12 years. In 2012, he was awarded Royal Artist designation at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and in 2016; he was knighted at the Siouxland Renaissance Festival in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and awarded the Order of the Ox.

Gregg was a member of a local CB Club and went to listen to many different music bands where he would meet his now long-time friends. Gregg enjoyed spending time with his Granddaughter, Emily Athmann, as they ventured yearly up to Duluth, had season passes to Valleyfair so they could ride the roller coasters; Wild Thing and Renegade. Later they made annual trips to Sturgis, the Black Hills, and the Crazy Horse monument. He was also always up for a good game of cards, proclaimed himself the "King of Rummy," and would never turn down a spirited game of cribbage.

Gregg passed away unexpectedly on August 6th, 2016, due to a sudden heart attack at the age of 65.

He is survived by: Daughter, Alexis (Athmann) Guthrie of St. Paul, Minnesota; Granddaughter, Emily Athmann of Hutchinson; Former Spouse, Lila Mae (Kiecker) Athmann of Hector; Aunt, Donna and Uncle, John “Jack” Gieske of Minneapolis; Aunt, Edna Athmann Rudeen of Bird Island, & multiple extended family members.

He is preceded in death by: Father, Othmar “Ottie” Athmann and Mother, Muriel (Tews) Athmann.