NEW ULM–Douglas Grams, a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, surrounded by family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after a short intense battle with sepsis.

Born on September 10, 1951, to Marvin and Betty Grams (Meidl), Doug was raised in New Ulm where he learned the value of a strong work ethic at a young age. The oldest of the sons, he was a caretaker from the start, often feeding or entertaining his little sisters.

Throughout his life, Doug could bring fun to any moment, jump to accomplish needed tasks, and above all else, dream up a solution to fix anything. Whether at home, at “the shop” or with his birds and animals, Doug never shied away from putting in the effort to make life better for others. His collections of treasures often led to a variety of projects whether it be woodworking, landscaping, or modifying things for his gardens or boats. He enjoyed researching ways to grow things, often teaching all of us a new way to approach things or offering advice to make it better.

Doug enlisted in the Army Reserves and served for six years. Always interested in wrenches and engines, Doug went to Mankato Vo-Tech to become a mechanic. After working at Peterson Equipment and Martinka Motors, Doug would begin working at his father’s Ford/New Holland dealership in August of 1972. Together with his brother, David, they would ultimately take over the business, running it for many years. Doug retired in 2016; however, he would provide daily help and support up to the day the shop closed.

A love for pigeons and chickens that started early in his dad’s backyard coop led him to many friendships and ultimately many years of leadership of the Brown County Poultry and Pigeon Association. Doug enjoyed spending days with his loved ones. Over the years he would spend numerous hours hosting fishing trips with family members, hunting at the Holm farm, building swing sets and patios, places that would give him space and time to visit and share drinks and laughter. He could brighten a conversation with a silly story, a creative song, or a piece of trivia.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife, Connie, with whom he shared 52 years of love and partnership, daughters Kristen (Darin) Drill, Allison (Dean) Barstad, Andrea Harder (Chad Ziesmer), and his grandchildren Brenna, Alexa, and Landon Barstad, Spencer, Ethan, and Owen Drill, Alec Harder and Madelyn Merkel. He will be deeply missed by siblings, Cindy Penkert, David Grams, Jane (Daryl) Nosbush, Terease (Tim) Haen, and Jodi (Chad) Larson, his in-laws, Ric (Cindy) Holm, Larry (Vickie) Holm, and Al (Janet) Holm as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who looked to him as a pillar of strength and wisdom.

A visitation will be held on September 14, 2025, from 4-7 PM at Minnesota Valley Funeral Home’s North Chapel in New Ulm. Additional visitation will occur September 15, 2025, from 10-11 AM with a memorial service to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm and interment at New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. We will then gather to celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on us all @ St. Mary’s Catholic Church Social Hall.

We find comfort in knowing that, although Doug is no longer with us, his love, lessons and legacy will continue to inspire us each and every day.

Memorials to Oak Hills Living Center are preferred in lieu of flowers.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]