Leonhard Grams

Leonhard Grams, 97, of St. Joseph, MI joined his beloved wife, Lucy, to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 16, 2018. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, March 19, 2018 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI with Reverend Scott Reeve officiating.  Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery.  Friends may visit from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to Oakridge Community Church Parking Lot Fund and Seven Star Sanctuary & Rescue – St. Joseph, MI.  Those wishing to share a memory of Leo may do so online at www.starks–menchinger.com. Leo was born May 20, 1920 in Adamow, Poland to Heinrich and Emilie Grams.  He was the youngest of 6 siblings.   Leo met Lucy, his wife and life partner, on a train from Berlin in 1941.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  Their courtship spanned WWII, marrying on August 22, 1947. Leo and Lucy with their 3 children, immigrated to the USA in April 1956, and became proud citizens seven years later. During his working career in the USA, Leo worked at Superior Steel, Avion Coach and Gast Mfg., from which he retired. He loved music and was active in the Men’s Choir and Guitar Choir at church.  He also joined the choir at the Whitcomb and participated in numerous concerts.    He loved to garden and in later years took up baking zucchini bread and cooking. His Christian faith guided him all his life.  He lived his faith in all that he did, from being a caring husband and father, a good friend, a good employee and a good person. He encouraged his children to follow their dreams. Leo is survived by a son Fred (Anita) Grams of Benton Harbor, two daughters Hella Grams of Coloma, and Ingrid (David) Pratt of Benton Harbor, four grandchildren; three great grandchildren; with extended family adding more grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and his beloved dog Rusty.  He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings and his wife, Lucy. “Work for a cause, not for Applause.  Live life to express, not to Impress.  Don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt” (unknown) sums up much of Leo’s life.  His absence will be felt by his family, friends and the many people whose life he touched.