William "Bill" David Grams

Bill was born on January 11, 1941, in Duluth, MN, to Harold and Elsie Grams. He passed peacefully on October 23, 2026, with his beloved wife, Jody, by his side. He was one of 11 children and lived in St. Paul and Virginia, MN during his childhood years. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia, MN in 1959, and then went on to Community College. After college, Bill served in the Army from 1962 through 1965 and spent most of that time in Europe as a Morse code interceptor. After leaving the military, he spent over 30 years working in Computer Operations at various companies in the Twin Cities.

In 1983, Bill married the love of his life, Jody Johnson. Together, they took great pleasure in hosting holiday and other gatherings in their home for family and friends. Bill would work quietly in the kitchen, with Jody assisting, to create the most wonderful meals. They often attended concerts and theater. For many summers, they attended the annual Grams family gathering at the Skalko's on Lake Vermillion. They enjoyed visiting Bill's family, many of whom lived in the Virginia, MN area. Bill spent many years deer hunting near Cook, MN with his brothers-in-law, Larry Landmark, and Joel Mosier, and his brother Dick Grams. Each year before hunting season, Bill wrote a newsletter under the pen name, 'B.D. Swamper,' which was a hit with the hunters and everyone else he shared it with. It included funny stories from past years and 'predictions' for the upcoming season. Bill and Jody frequently traveled with close friends, Pat and Jerry Colburn, Michelle and Juergen Sensburg, and Beth and John Dixon. During the winter months, they loved a good cribbage challenge. Bill always threatened to stop helping Jody count, but he never did. Bill's passion was gardening. In the warmer months, he created and maintained the most beautiful flower gardens and landscaping in his yard. He started planning for his gardens and yard each spring, nurtured them in the summer, and prepared them for winter in the fall. Bill and Jody had many special moments together in recent months, enjoying his flowers, and watching the birds and butterflies.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jody; sister, Nancy Mosier; sister-in-law, Karen Grams; father-in-law, Gerald Johnson; brother-in-law, Ryan Johnson; sister-in-law, Jana Wegwerth; many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Elsie Grams; brothers, James, Robert, Jack, Richard, and Harold Jr. 'Buck'; sister-in-law, Louise Grams; sister, Grace Hinsa; brother-in-law, Larry Hinsa; sister, Marian Skalko; brother-in-law, Ed Skalko; sister, Elsie Weiser; brother-in-law, Bud Weiser; sister, Carol Landmark; brother-in-law, Larry Landmark; brother-in-law, Joel Mosier; mother-in-law, Virginia Johnson and brother-in-law, Russ Wegwerth.

Bill was a kind, intelligent, and thoughtful person; a quiet presence with a quick wit, dry sense of humor, and strong resolve. He was the personification of dignity, reason, and decency, and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. There will be a gathering to celebrate Bill's life on November 21, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, in Stillwater, MN. A special thank you to the care team at St. Croix Hospice for the loving and compassionate care they provided for Bill at the end of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice are preferred.