Joseph S. Grams

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at St. Mary’s Cathedral upper church for Joseph S. Grams, age 85, of St. Cloud who passed away December 12, 2009 at St. Benedict’s Center in St. Cloud with family at his side. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in St. Cloud with full military honors. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

Joe was born March 15, 1924 in St. Cloud to Frank and Alvina (Diedrichs) Grams. After graduating from St. Cloud Technical High School he served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was in the European Theatre as a paratrooper in 82nd Airborne Infantry Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was proud to have fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He married Alma Thielman on November 3, 1948. He worked for the Great Northern Railroad for ten years before becoming a police officer with the City of St. Cloud. After his 30 years of service he retired at the rank of Captain in 1985.

During retirement he continued to serve the St. Cloud Community by volunteering at the VA Hospital and VFW Post 428. As an active member in the VFW Post 428 he served as Post Commander and member of the Memorial Rifle Squad. He was also a member of the American Legion 428, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Catholic Order of Foresters and the St. Cloud Police Retiree Association.

Joe enjoyed fishing and watching the Vikings. He will be remembered as a hard working family man. Eighteen years ago a stroke took away a great part of him. Despite that hardship he continued on with the assistance and love of his wife and family.

Joe is survived by his wife Alma, children Timothy (Nancy) of Coon Rapids, Stephen (Barbara) of St. Peter, Susan (Robert) Prout of St. Cloud, Vivian (Thomas) Dennis of Grand Forks, ND and Paul (Tara) of St. Cloud, eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and son-in-law Clyde Johnson of Eureka, CA.

Preceding him in death were his parents, daughter Barbara (April 26, 2009), grandson Amiel Grams, one sister and four brothers.

The family would like to thank the staff at Adult Day Care at the VA Medical Center and the staff on the second floor at St. Benedict’s for all their love, patience and support.

Memorials are preferred.