Jean Gramann

Jean Gramann was born November 11, 1923 in Delta, Utah to Fon and Edna Gronning and died August 23, 2021 in Enumclaw. Her father died when she was an infant, and the family spent her early years in Utah. She had many stories of adventures with her older sister and brother, Mildred and Bud, such as the three of them camping alone for a week at a time or killing rattlesnakes with rocks. After her mother married Ralph Fuller, the family moved to Seattle. There Jean attended Cleveland High School, and in study hall one day met Fred Gramann, beginning a romance of 79 years. After graduation, Jean went to work at the telephone company while Fred attended the UW, and when he joined the army during WWII. They were married June 11, 1943 over the objection of her father and the skepticism of the minister who stated, “it will never last”, a not so insightful prediction of a marriage that lasted 77 years until Fred’s passing last year. Jean continued working while Fred was in the war, and after the war while he finished college, then transitioned to the role of mother and homemaker. They had three children: Bob, Fred, and Judy, who were the center of Jean’s love and care.

Fred and Jean moved to Concrete for his first teaching job. He became the principal at Concrete HS, and then in 1957 moved to Enumclaw to be the principal of EHS. Subsequent moves to Spanaway, back to Enumclaw, and then to Chandler, Arizona led to the creation of many long-lasting friendships with many of the teachers from the various schools. Their time in Arizona was highlighted by the close-knit conclave of Enumclaw teachers and spouses that lived in the same community. They returned to Enumclaw for the last decade to be nearer to family.

Jean was a consummate homemaker. She loved gardening, quilting, and sewing. She was a competitor who loved games, such as bridge or other card games. Her children, grandchildren, and eventually great grandchildren all learned that if you won a game with her, you really won because she did not let you win. She loved children and many of her charitable donations were for various children’s causes. Jean and Fred had a strong Christian faith and were long time members of Calvary Presbyterian Church.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Fred, granddaughter Nicole, and great granddaughter Jaybriana. She is survived and dearly missed by sons Bob (Vikki) and Fred (Nancy), and daughter Judy; grandchildren Lane (Dennis), Lance (Stephanie), Alicia (Wade), Ben (Stacey), and Heather; and great grandchildren Kadyn, Teagan, Carter, Jayleigh, Jayden, Sutton, Hudson, Adley, Ellie, Noah, and Emile.

Jean will be inurned with Fred at Tahoma National Cemetery. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to Enumclaw School Foundation or Franciscan Hospice.

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