William Gramlich

Bill Gramlich left this earthly life on December 21, 2025. Bill didn't just live life; he drove it-usually at high speeds and often on two wheels.

While born in Omaha in 1936, Bill was a Fremont man. He moved there after a childhood stint in a one-room schoolhouse and spent his formative years running with a close-knit crew of friends. He discovered his love for the road early, winning a teenage driving rodeo-a feat that confirmed he was born to be behind the wheel.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1958, Bill made the best decision of his life: marrying Ardyth "Sammy" Goering in Syracuse, NE. The pair packed for Denver the next day. After a briefly flirting with law school, Bill landed in the rubber business-a career that kept the family bouncing from Denver to California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, before returning to Colorado in 1970.

Landing in Fort Morgan, Bill founded Finmark, an advertising specialties company. He spent years selling to banks across five states, but his most successful sales pitch happened at home. At age 48, Bill convinced Sammy to hang up her nursing cap and join him in real estate. Their residential rental business, Gramlich Properties, paved the way for a retirement of adventure, including 20 years at their piece of paradise on the Poudre River and winters in San Blas, Mexico.

Above all, Bill was committed to the future. His and Sammy's most enduring legacy likely is the Gramlich Nursing Scholarship at Morgan Community College, an endowed program they created to support future generations of healthcare heroes.

When Bill wasn't busy renovating houses or logging 300,000 miles on his Gold Wing, he was dedicated to civic life. He served a term as the Mayor of Fort Morgan and was active in the United Methodist Church. Bill volunteered for the Boy Scouts, Caring Ministries, the Chamber of Commerce, and Meals on Wheels. Whether in a boardroom or sharing a laugh at the Elks Club, Bill's actions showed love for his community.

Bill's greatest pride was his family. He beamed when talking about his son, Jeff (Margrethe), a professor at Washington State University, and his daughter, Tracy, a semi-retired organ transplant nurse. His grandchildren, Alex (Amanda), Roxy, Santos, and Sonia, were his joy, and nothing made him grin broader than his great-granddaughter, Valerie.

Bill is now reunited with his parents, Amos and Helen, his brother George, and his parents-in-law, Bill and Lydia. He leaves memories of love and laughter, and a family that finally has a sporting chance to win a game of cribbage.

The family thanks Dr. Shaun Thompson and the staff at Valley View Villa for Bill's incredible care.

Celebration of Life: Monday, December 29, at 3:00 pm at the Fort Morgan United Methodist Church.

Memorial Gifts: In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Bill's honor to The Gramlich Nursing Scholarship https://morgancc.networkforgood.com/projects/236997-donate-now and Fort Morgan United Methodist Church https://pushpay.com/g/fortmorganumc?src=hpp

Those who are unable to attend can watch the service online at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2Njc3MjEzNDM5NDMxNSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==