Daniel Paul Gramann

Daniel Paul Gramann, 93, of Pewaukee, entered into the fullness of Eternal Life on January 14, 2023. Dan was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 8, 1929, son of Frederick and Ludmilla (Cherweznik) Gramann.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Genevieve (Tootie, nee Raddenbach), his sister Elizabeth (Sr. Ludmilla), and six children: Patrica (John) Doleshal, Hugh (Jill) Gramann, Robert (Kathleen) Gramann, Mary (Donald) Cannon, William (Rachelle) Gramann, and Colleen Bourgeois (Daniel Ryan).

Dan went to St. Joseph's Catholic School and Pius High School. Because Dan's father, known as "Professor Gramann," was in charge of music at St. Joseph's (and was active in other church and school activities), this ensured that faith and music were central to the Gramann family life. In early years, Dan and his twin sister, Mary, were popular entertainers in Waukesha. They were trained by their father, and they appeared frequently at socials and club activities, both singing, playing the piano, and tap dancing.

That love of music and his gift of playing both the organ and piano (with a preference for playing by ear versus reading music, much to the Professor's dismay) was something that then was central to Dan's family and religious life — playing at both every family gathering (for rowdy sing-a-longs with the self proclaimed Gramann Family Singers) and at various Catholic churches in the Waukesha area.

Dan was a multi-passionate entrepreneur, always exploring new opportunities to support his family. He was involved in farming, ran Gramann's Special Delivery grocery delivery business, welded at AO Smith, had a table and chair rental business, and plowed snow each winter. He operated a gas station, and his last and favorite career was as a pilot, where he towed advertising banners all across the Wisconsin skies.

Dan loved spending time with his wife and ever-growing family (as the grandkids and great grandkids kept coming,) enjoyed photography and aerial photography, and spent quite a few winters over the years exploring the country and snowbirding with Tootie. He often kept a fire going outside in the warmer months which friends & family came to expect when dropping by, with a backdrop of the Brewers on the AM radio. He kept busy running errands, or what he considered "chasin'," or with projects at the farm, even creating projects out of thin air — he was known for his fully custom approach to mechanics, and, well, everything. He loved keeping everyone laughing with his quick remarks, and he reminded us he was still the boss with his vice grip handshake. Dan and Tootie rarely missed a Friday fish fry at the 5 O'Clock Club in Pewaukee. Dan & Tootie also devoted their time over many years to the sisters of the Carmelite Monastery, helping with grounds projects and whatever other upkeep was required.

Dan and Tootie were deeply devoted to one another, and Tootie did an exceptional job of caring for his every need until the very end — including satisfying his exceptionally sweet tooth.

Dan is also survived by 14 adoring grandchildren: Theresa (Shannon) Larrigan, Pamela (Jeff) Konczal, Phillip (Amandy) Doleshal, Mary (Tim) Speace, Michael (Rachel) Gramann, Lisa (Joe) Pluta, Steven (Sara) Gramann, Laura (Erik) Richter, Katherine Gramann, Shannon Gramann (Matt Van Dyke), Daniel (Annie) Gramann, Glenn Bourgeois, Taylor (Rachael) Bourgeois, Genevieve Bourgeois.

And with that, 22 great grandchildren, 2 step-great-grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren on the way, and countless nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who appreciated him dearly.

Dan is preceded in death by his father, Frederick, his mother, Ludmilla, brother, William, infant brother, Jack, and his twin sister, Mary (Sr. Mary Frederick).

Family and friends are invited to visit directly at the church from 9:30 am on Friday, January 20, 2023 at St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church (W280N2101 Prospect Ave) Pewaukee, until the time of Mass. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am.

Please consider making a donation in Dan's name in lieu of flowers to your charity of choice or one of Dan & Tootie's beloved parishes:

Carmelite Monastery W267N2517 Carmelite Road Pewaukee, WI 53072

St. Anthony on the Lake W280 N2101 Prospect Avenue Pewaukee, WI 53072


(See side panel for funeral service arrangements)