George William Gramm, a native of Burlington, CO, passed away peacefully with family and friends at his side, Wednesday January 25, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
George was the oldest child born May 10, 1945 to Loyd Richard Gramm and Fern Esther (Knodel) Gramm. He was the brother to Ron Gramm and Judy (Gramm) Langendorfer. George’s childhood was spent on the family farm north of Bethune. He was taught farm work at very young age by his father Loyd and also learned from his uncles who farmed close by. He spoke German until he attended Elementary School. He went to school in a one room school house that is still standing to this day north of Bethune. He would not speak about his early education days without mentioning his teacher Mrs. Eaton. He spoke very highly of her and said he looked forward to the trip to Denver with the class at the end of every school year that Mrs. Eaton would plan. He went on to attend high school at Bethune School where he graduated in 1963.
George obtained his associates degree in business in Denver, CO. He became a manager at a farm store in Burlington and then in Sterling. Shortly after, he moved to Texas where he began to manage a Sear’s store. George loved reminiscing about the time he spent with his brother and sister when they came to visit. He enjoyed his life there very much and even after his return to Colorado, his heart seemed to still be in Texas. When George returned to Colorado, he began working for UPS as a delivery driver. It took one serious dog bite before he learned to carry dog treats with him on his route and soon after those same dogs became his friends who looked forward to meeting him in the driveway for their treats.
He was known by many as “George the UPS man”. Everyone appreciated his friendliness, his humor and his willingness to lend a hand. George loved to travel and visit other countries. He went on many trips abroad, several cruises and often had family members or friends at his side. He spent at least one weekend a month taking trips into the mountains in Colorado, his daughters in tow, and returning Sunday night in time to go back to work the next Monday. He was the father to three girls that came into his life in 1982. He raised them with the same work ethic that he was raised with and at a very young age, his daughters knew how to change tires, dig postholes, grow a garden, work on vehicles, chop wood, and even make small plumbing and electrical repairs.
George overcame many health obstacles. He won his battle with colon cancer, not once but three times. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the late 1990’s and never let that diagnosis or his symptoms define who he was or what he was capable of doing. Retirement was not easy for George as he liked staying busy. He purchased a farm and made many renovations on it. He turned his farm into his little paradise planting and growing flowers and trees. His favorite were the tulips that he planted along the long driveway. Every year, those close to him would get a call when the tulips would begin to sprout in the spring.
He tinkered on his farm staying busy until he moved into town to receive more care for his advancing Parkinson’s disease. George lived a much fulfilled life. He took advantage of every moment. He helped so many people along the way. He was a good son, brother, father and friend. He will be deeply missed by so many. George is preceded in death by his parents Loyd and Fern Gramm. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughters; Nicky Fairchild, Tracy Canada (Chris Carnathan) and Stacy Canada; his brother Ron (Diane) Gramm; sister Judy Langendorfer (Bill); nephew Lucas Langendorfer and niece Hannah Langendorfer and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Johnathan, Charlie, Bayliegh, Teddy, Brendan, Logan, Isaac, Madison, RJ, Jetta and Jude and numerous great-grandchildren A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Hope Congregational Church in Bethune, CO. Memorial Contributions may be made in Georges name to the Parkinson’s Foundation and left or mailed to Love Funeral Homes and Monuments 377 15th Street Burlington, CO 80807.
