Gary Ronald Gramberg

Gary Ronald Gramberg, 69, of rural Shell Lake, WI, passed away on April 28, 2022, after a six-month courageous battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Gary was born on February 20, 1953, to Ruben and Erma (Sorensen) Gramberg in Shell Lake. He grew up on the family Lakewood Farm on the east side of Shell Lake, where he graduated from High School. He married in 1972 and purchased a farm in Burnett Township on County Rd B. While living there, he had four wonderful children: Tracey, Brent, Lee and Cody. He retired early from farming and worked for Shell Lake Woodcrafters. In 1999, he married Sharon Backlin and together they started "Northland Woodworks," making beautiful end tables, coffee tables and small decorative shelving, much of which went to Cabela's stores for sale. Gary never lost his love of farming and worked part-time on the Legacy Farms and Lundeen Farm Automation until retirement.

Gary was a member of the Young Citizens in Shell Lake. He enjoyed many hobbies over the years. Tapping maple trees and boiling the sap into syrup was a favorite, as was beekeeping. He found tending bees to be rewarding, as well as a calming and peaceful experience, and in the end there was honey in the jar. Gary was a handyman in the garage and around the yard but he also loved time in the kitchen cooking with his grandchildren and exercising culinary creativity. He also loved to garden, but best of all was camping and sitting by the bonfire. He loved telling jokes to see a smile on others' faces and was a top-notch BSer. He enjoyed the great outdoors; deer hunting, elk hunting and fishing were passions. His golden retrievers were great friends, but his family, and the adventures they had, were his pride and joy.

Gary is survived by his wife: Sharon; daughter: Tracey (Michael Nasholm); sons: Brent (Amy) Gramberg of Rice Lake, Lee (Tonya aka TJ) Gramberg of Hertel and Cody (Dakota Schwanke) Gramberg of Sarona; sisters: Georgeann Kruger of Shell Lake and Sandra Lopez of Blaine, MN; brothers: Ryan (Dora) Gramberg of Spooner, and Richard (Beth) Gramberg of Barronett; stepson: Thomas "TJ" (Tonetta) Backlin of Superior; stepdaughter: Tiffany Backlin of Superior; nine grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents: Ruben and Erma Gramberg and sister: Renita Joy Gramberg.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Salem Lutheran Church in Shell Lake with Pastor Sue Odegard officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 3, 2022, from 4-7 PM at Skinner Funeral Home-Shell Lake and one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Shell Lake Cemetery and there will be dessert and coffee at the church following the burial service.

Skinner Funeral Home of Shell Lake is serving the family.