Service Information
Kenneth L. Grams, age 76, of Fairfax, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Friday, August 25, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairfax with interment in Fort Ridgely Cemetery, Ridgely Township, Nicollet County, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Thursday, August 24, 2023, from 4:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service, ALL at the church.
Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard.
Obituary
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 in 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.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Mabel Grams, and in-laws, Gordon and Lauretta Marlowe.
Janet Rieke says
My deepest sympathies to you, Sharleen and your family. Kenny was such a good guy with the best sense of humor. He will be missed.
Diane Liebl says
Deepest sympathy to Sharleen and family. Gerry and Diane Liebl
Doreen Metts says
My prayers and sympathy goes out to you. Ken will always be special to me. We had such a great bond and friendship. I will miss how he was so caring, joyful, and made sure I got my chocolate.
Pat (Rohde) & Gary Kranz says
Sharleen, you & your family have our deepest sympathy..
Laura says
Thoughts and prayers to you all. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Laura Nissen
Marilyn (Havemeier)Macho says
Deepest sympathy to all of Ken’s family.
Joanne Murphy says
Our deepest sympathy to you all with the loss of such a special man,lots of great memories if Kenny at the bar with a smile and a great conversation. May the many memories give you peace?
Jan Ogren says
You have my deepest sympathy!
Jackie Baumer and Duane Ortlepp says
We are sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Prayers and hugs to you, Sharleen and family.
Linda Knutson says
You are in my thoughts and prayer Sharleen. It was a blessing being neighbors with your family when we lived in Fairfax. I remember you and Kenny being kindhearted and funny and great conversationalists.it was so fun to discover Kenny was Harmony at the same time mom was. His memory of our times in Fairfax was incredible and we enjoyed listening to him share. He kept positive and fun loving even in his illness. I thank God for the time we had with him and for now welcoming him into heaven. Sending love and hugs Sharleen.
Victoria Anderson says
So sorry to hear of Kens passing. I am so thankful to have stopped in to let him know I was leaving. His grateful thank you to me will be a memory forever, as will the chocolates he gave me for cleaning his room. Bless you and your family in your time of loss and in the future. Truly, Victoria Anderson
Wade and Valerie Haas says
Deepest Sympathies Wade and Family!!
Anne Bateman says
The love and partnership between Sharleen and Ken was joy to witness as they together overcame what life with ALS brought.
God’s blessings, strength and courage , Sharleen as you walk without Ken but with such lovely memories of your life together. Sincerely, Anne from VA.