Lowell Gramstad died peacefully, Friday, April 10, 2020 at the Veteran's Home in Sandusky, Ohio at the age of 93, where he was cared for and encouraged by a loving staff who esteemed their veterans. Our family owes the staff there an immeasurable debt of gratitude for which we will ever be grateful.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 25, 1926, to Lloyd and Emma (Borswold) Gramstad he was married to Ernestine Bandy Gramstad for over 50 years, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his four children:
Gary Gramstad (of Chantilly, VA) (daughter-in-law, Patricia), Sandra Gramstad Lubresky (of Elyria, Ohio) (son-in-law, Ronald Lubresky), Susan Gramstad Ellison (of Elyria, Ohio) (son-in-law, Steven Ellison, deceased), and Carol Smith (of Elyria, Ohio) (son-in-law, Jared Smith). He has nine grandchildren, from oldest to youngest: Jason Ellison, Kristi Ellison Keressi, Erik Smith, Gavin Gramstad, Erika Gramstad Taura, Jesse Smith, Ethan Gramstad, Keric Gramstad, and Meredith Gramstad. He also has twelve great-grandchildren.
Lowell left high school early to answer the call to enlist by joining the Navy during World War II. He was assigned to an Escort Destroyer as an electrician where he was offered enrollment in Officers Training Program. He graduated from the Naval Electrical School in 1944 and served out his military service in the Asian Pacific Theatre.
While onboard ship, he competed in boxing and was awarded "the Golden Gloves," after being undefeated in the Middle Weight category.
For 25 years he worked for Hartford Steam Boiler and retired to pursue his love for volunteering. He and his wife Ernie, for many years, helped to tutor grade-schoolers with their reading and Lowell always carried 'rewards' in his pocket to motivate the most stubborn. He kept himself available to transport those in need to doctor's appointments for the "Office on Aging" and was voted "Volunteer of the Year."
Lowell was fully devoted to helping others and spent much of his retirement years distributing things he could collect to help anyone in need with the basics. His Sunday morning runs to pick up day old bread and pastries and distribute to families in Elyria was a ritual that endeared him to countless people who would anticipate his arrival weekly.
Lowell always felt the hand of God directing him and blessing his family.
He was very well loved and will be dearly missed.
Psalm 23 -
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me...Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
John 14:3 -
"And, if I go (Jesus) and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'
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