Gary Gilbert Gramley, (80), of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, passed away on November 27, 2023.
Gary was born on November 18, 1943, in La Grange, Illinois, son of William “Bill” Gilbert and Betty Mae (Glashagel). Bill Gilbert passed away when Gary was 8 years old, and Betty later remarried to Marvin Malcom Gramley, who adopted Gary and his sister, Patricia. The family moved to Williams Bay, Wisconsin, where Gary spent the rest of his childhood. In high school, Gary’s summer job was as a mail jumper on the Lake Geneva mail boats.
After graduating from Williams Bay High School, Gary attended the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee for 3 years, then went to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to study mural painting. While in Mexico, Gary was drafted into the Vietnam War, and served for 1 year overseas. Gary’s painting skills were put to use making artistic signs around his base. Gary also discovered a love for photography while deployed.
When Gary returned from the war, he moved to New York City, where he lived in the Henry Street Settlement House and taught art classes. In 1971, Gary moved to Fort Atkinson, where he later started his own photography business, Photography Resource. For over 30 years, Gary shot photos for countless businesses around Jefferson County.
Gary was very active in the Fort Atkinson community. He organized annual events such as Tour de Fort and the Lumberjack Pancake Breakfast. He was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, serving as the club president in 1997, and being named a Paul Harris fellow for major contributions in 1999. He also received the Service to Youth Award from Camp Jorn YMCA.
In 1976, Gary purchased the historic Shekey Farmhouse on Koshkonong Mounds Road and spent many years restoring the house to be historically accurate. The house was inducted into the state historical society in 2014, an accomplishment that Gary was very proud of.
In 1988, Gary married the love of his life, Jill Sue (Smith). Together they raised their only son, David Kendrick Gramley. He was a loving and dedicated husband, an amazing father, and a hero to his son.
Gary was a great friend. He was always ready to help with projects and had any tool you could possibly need. He was always ready to lend a hand to get the project done.
Gary was an avid outdoorsman. He loved camping, canoeing, kayaking, and bicycling all over the state of Wisconsin with friends and family.
Gary will be sorely missed by all who knew him well.
Gary is preceded in death by his mother, Betty, his birth father, Bill, and his adopted father, Marvin. He is survived by his wife, Jill, his son, David (Tiffany), his daughters, Laura and Elizabeth, and his sister Patricia (Jim) Dollins.
A visitation will be held at noon on December 9th, 2023, at Dunlap Memorial Home, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. with Military Honors to be held after the service.
Instead of sending flowers, please consider donating to Camp Jorn YMCA or the Humane Society of Jefferson County.
Gary Gilbert Gramley
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