Henry Grams

Henry ‘Hank’ Grams, age 85, of Ripon passed away on Sunday March 27, 2022. He was born on November 12, 1936 in Princeton the son of Henry Otto Grams Sr. and Adeline (Lepper) Grams. He married the love of his life Shirley Siewert April 29, 1961 at Our Saviors UCC in Ripon.

Hank attended St John’s Lutheran (1-8), Graduated Princeton High school in 1954, attended Stevens Point College for two years. Hank was a natural athlete. While attending Princeton High School he received the American Legion Athlete of the year award while playing baseball, basketball, football, track and volleyball as well as serving as the Manager for the Princeton Tigers baseball championship team in 1960.

Hank started his career with Handcraft in 1957 before working at Quickfreeze in 1958-59. He started his promotional products sales career in 1960 with Fabriko. He then worked with Lee Wayne company from 1965-1985 before founding Ads That Care with his wife and son in 1986, which he continued to be involved with until the very end. He loved going to industry tradeshows seeing vendors and friends from the industry and career he loved.

He loved spending time at his family's tree farm planting trees, hunting and fishing for many years and spending time on White Lake at his family’s cottage. He continued to love sports and was a dedicated Brewer and Badger fan all through his life attending sporting events any chance he could. Hank was an avid golfer and member for many years at Mascoutin Golf Course where he had a hole in one on hole 4. Hank loved the game of bowling and belonged to leagues in Princeton and Ripon. He could often be found sipping a cup of coffee and talking sports and life with his coffee gang. What Hank really enjoyed later in life was a good trip to the casino. He was the best Dad and husband we will miss him and our conversations with him so much.

Hank was a true community man. His impression on those who knew him is undeniable, everyone remembers Hank as a great friend and true Rotarian for life – 50 year perfect attendance award. Hank attended Our Saviors UCC Church in Ripon. Hank served many people as President of the Princeton Men's Bowling Association, Board of Directors for the Central State Semi-Pro Baseball League, President of the Ripon Rotary Club (1976-77), Awarded the Paul Harris Fellow three times (as was wife Shirley) as well as being elected the PPAW State Association Treasurer for 5 years.

Survived by wife Shirley and Son Dwight, Ripon, WI; Daughter Lisa (Brian) Estey, Grandson Gavin and Granddaughter Elia, Littleton, CO. Nephew Bryce Clark and Niece Lorie Jacques and Grand Niece Claire Jacques all of Milwaukee, Niece Henrietta Hobart, Silver City NM, Niece Marie Lamont, Fort Wayne, IN. Cousins Judy Molski, Dennis Lepper, Gaylord Lepper, all of Plover, WI. Preceded by his parents and siblings Brother Gilbert Grams, Sister Henriette Clark, Nephew Duane Ruthkowski, Brother-in-law Russell ‘Red’ Clark, Brother-in-law Charles Siewert and Sister-in-law Betty Retzlaff.

Visitation for Hank will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 4 – 7:00 pm at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971, and again on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 10 – 11:00 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial Service for Hank will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 11:00 am at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971, with Reverend Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Following the service everyone is invited to join Hank’s family for his last Rotary Meeting and luncheon at Royal Ridges in Ripon.

Thank you to all his friends who cared for and touched Hank's heart through the years, you all meant so much to him in your own unique way.

Memorials may be directed to Ripon Rotary Club, P.O. Box 455, Ripon, WI 54971, or to the Salvation Army in Hank’s name.

“Don’t leave my embrace for here in my arms is your place.” – Elvis Presley