On November 27, 2025, at 7:57 p.m., Hans Ulrich Grap, 82, passed away unexpectedly. His life was a remarkable journey, shaped by war, sacrifice, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family, community, and the values he held dear. Hans Grap was a hell of an honorable man—steadfast, honest, and true to his word in everything he did.
Hans was born on June 29, 1943, in Stettin, Pomerania, to Hans and Mathilde Grap. As a young child, he fled war-torn Germany with his mother and siblings as refugees. At twelve years old, he left Germany and immigrated to the United States. Their journey took them from Germany to Newfoundland, then to New York, and finally by train to Detroit, where Columbia Church sponsored their settlement. They lived in St. Clair Shores before moving to Roseville, where Hans graduated from high school. From his earliest years in America, he worked tirelessly—delivering newspapers, learning English, and helping support his family as they rebuilt their lives.
After high school, Hans worked during the day making small machine parts and attended Brooklyn Tech at night, learning the precision trade that would guide his future. He also worked at Morse Chain and became one of the first apprentices in a tool-and-die program.
The family eventually settled in Van Etten, New York, on a farm on Brink Hill Road, where they planted the long stretch of pines that still lines the road today—each tree placed by hand, embodying the grit and dedication of the Grap family.
In 1965, Hans was drafted into the United States Army and later served as an engineer cadet in the Merchant Marines aboard the Laredo Victory, a WWII-era supply ship. His voyages took him from New York, through the Panama Canal, toward Vietnam.
Together with his brother Christian Grap, Hans co-owned Grap Brothers, a butcher shop that served the Van Etten community for more than forty years. The shop became a local landmark—a gathering place built on skill, integrity, and quiet pride. It reflected Hans's dedication not only to his work but also to his community and family.
Hans was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Bonnie Grap, who provided him with extraordinary care and unwavering love, especially in his later years when he required 24-hour support. On the day he passed, Hans was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, wrapped in the love he spent a lifetime giving so freely.
He is survived by his children: Heidi Grap and partner Andrew Dean, Marjorie and husband Nathan Goedel, Jessica and her husband Steven Coyle.
Hans was immensely proud of his grandchildren:
Dante Ulrich (active Military) and his wife Mikaya Parker Shululu, Arianna Shululu, Atticus Francisco, Maddox Goedel, Mackenzie Coyle, and he was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Amaya.
He is survived by his siblings: Christian Grap, Roland Grap, and Angelika Amsbaugh, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, including Erika Soltis (and children), Karen Johnson (and children), Keith Grap (and children), Georg Grap (and children), and Roland Grap (and children). He was predeceased by his nephew Christian Grap Jr., his niece Rebecca Rodriguez, his in-laws Marjorie and Raymond Decker as well as his parents, Hans and Mathilde Grap.
Hans shared a caring bond with his sister-in-law Teresa Decker and remained connected with Marsha Shululu, Furaha Shululu, father of his grandchildren, along with Furaha's wife Daphne Shululu.
To his family, Hans was the heart of their home—the steady presence, protector, and teacher whose humor, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped every life he touched. He made life better simply by being who he was.
Hans Ulrich Grap was a hell of an honorable man, loved beyond measure, missed more deeply than words can express, and will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Spencer-Van Etten Community Food Cupboard, P.O. Box 295, Spencer, NY 14883.
Calling Hours & Services
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Allen-Manzer Funeral Home in Spencer, NY.
The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with military honors, followed by burial immediately afterward.
Hans was born on June 29, 1943, in Stettin, Pomerania, to Hans and Mathilde Grap. As a young child, he fled war-torn Germany with his mother and siblings as refugees. At twelve years old, he left Germany and immigrated to the United States. Their journey took them from Germany to Newfoundland, then to New York, and finally by train to Detroit, where Columbia Church sponsored their settlement. They lived in St. Clair Shores before moving to Roseville, where Hans graduated from high school. From his earliest years in America, he worked tirelessly—delivering newspapers, learning English, and helping support his family as they rebuilt their lives.
After high school, Hans worked during the day making small machine parts and attended Brooklyn Tech at night, learning the precision trade that would guide his future. He also worked at Morse Chain and became one of the first apprentices in a tool-and-die program.
The family eventually settled in Van Etten, New York, on a farm on Brink Hill Road, where they planted the long stretch of pines that still lines the road today—each tree placed by hand, embodying the grit and dedication of the Grap family.
In 1965, Hans was drafted into the United States Army and later served as an engineer cadet in the Merchant Marines aboard the Laredo Victory, a WWII-era supply ship. His voyages took him from New York, through the Panama Canal, toward Vietnam.
Together with his brother Christian Grap, Hans co-owned Grap Brothers, a butcher shop that served the Van Etten community for more than forty years. The shop became a local landmark—a gathering place built on skill, integrity, and quiet pride. It reflected Hans's dedication not only to his work but also to his community and family.
Hans was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years, Bonnie Grap, who provided him with extraordinary care and unwavering love, especially in his later years when he required 24-hour support. On the day he passed, Hans was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, wrapped in the love he spent a lifetime giving so freely.
He is survived by his children: Heidi Grap and partner Andrew Dean, Marjorie and husband Nathan Goedel, Jessica and her husband Steven Coyle.
Hans was immensely proud of his grandchildren:
Dante Ulrich (active Military) and his wife Mikaya Parker Shululu, Arianna Shululu, Atticus Francisco, Maddox Goedel, Mackenzie Coyle, and he was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Amaya.
He is survived by his siblings: Christian Grap, Roland Grap, and Angelika Amsbaugh, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews, including Erika Soltis (and children), Karen Johnson (and children), Keith Grap (and children), Georg Grap (and children), and Roland Grap (and children). He was predeceased by his nephew Christian Grap Jr., his niece Rebecca Rodriguez, his in-laws Marjorie and Raymond Decker as well as his parents, Hans and Mathilde Grap.
Hans shared a caring bond with his sister-in-law Teresa Decker and remained connected with Marsha Shululu, Furaha Shululu, father of his grandchildren, along with Furaha's wife Daphne Shululu.
To his family, Hans was the heart of their home—the steady presence, protector, and teacher whose humor, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped every life he touched. He made life better simply by being who he was.
Hans Ulrich Grap was a hell of an honorable man, loved beyond measure, missed more deeply than words can express, and will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Spencer-Van Etten Community Food Cupboard, P.O. Box 295, Spencer, NY 14883.
Calling Hours & Services
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Allen-Manzer Funeral Home in Spencer, NY.
The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with military honors, followed by burial immediately afterward.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Hans Grap, please visit our flower store.
Hans Grap's Guestbook
Visits: 326
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors