John Grams

John Edward Grams

Age 90

John Edward Grams (also known as "Little Bits" or "Red") went home to the Lord peacefully on May 13th, 2025 surrounded by many loved ones.

John was born August 7th , 1934. He was the 12 th and last child of Peter and Anna Grams of Cold Spring, MN.

John was preceeded in death by his parents, Peter and Anna Grams; his 11 siblings; an infant child; his beloved longtime partner Joan Strack; and his ex-wife Shirley Littlebird. He is survived by his sons, Kevin (Mary) Grams, Mark Grams, Brian (Caroline) Grams as well as Jeffrey Strack, Nancy Strack, Shelly (Steve) Putz, Adrian Strack, and Candy Vukich; grandchildren, Jessica (Steve) Ahlquist, Leah (Matt) Peterson, Chastity Grams, Adam (Jennifer) Grams, Rachel (John) Landsberger, Michael (Marissa) Grams, Felicia Saxon, Nick (Kelsie) Grams, David Neeland, Johnathan Grams, Kamerin Grams, Elizabeth Grams, Haley (Coyan) Scott; 12 great-grandchildren; and many other family and friends.

John grew up in Cold Spring, MN and graduated from Saint Boniface. After graduation, he joined the Army on June 11th, 1953. He was stationed in Georgia and then off to Germany where he was a teletype operator. Whilst in Germany, John played basketball for the U.S. during the Korean War.

Once he left the Army, he worked for the Archer Daniels railroad shoveling grain and oversaw 11 miles of track. While working for the railroad, John's brother Jim convinced him to leave and go to school to become a Barber. Unbeknownst to him, it would turn into the family business. John was a barber for 54 years and owned his own business called John's Barber Shop off of Dale St.

Even though he was a barber by trade, his true calling and proudest work of all was his service to the American Legion. John was a member of the American Legion for 64 years, the VFW for 40 years and a member of the Forty & Eight organization for 44 years. During his service to the Legion, he worked a variety of jobs including: Post Commander, District Commander, State Vice Commander, Gambling Manager, and Color Guard.

He was also a good friend of Bill's and proudly had 39 years of sobriety. He said that he "Never knew how good life was until I got sober".

John Grams was good man and a great friend. He always helped those in need, especially veterans. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 8th, 2025 from 12pm-4pm at the American Legion in North St. Paul - 2678 7 th Ave E. North St Paul, MN 55109.

Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, and with his family in Cold Spring, MN at a later date.