Carol Mae M. Gramke

Carol Mae M. Gramke, 90, of Upland, passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at CHI Health - Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden with Rev. William Zwick officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Private family inurnment will be held at the Upland Cemetery. Memorials in Carol Mae’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Carol Mae Marie Gramke was born on February 1, 1935 in rural Franklin County, Nebraska to Ocke O. and Martha S. (Johnson) Bunger. She was baptized on February 17, 1935 in Hildreth, and was confirmed April 17, 1949 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hildreth. Carol Mae grew up in the Hildreth area, graduating from Hildreth High School. She was united in marriage to LaVerne F. P. Bartels on December 16, 1956 at Emmaneul Lutheran Church in Hildreth. LaVerne passed away in March of 1959. Carol Mae was united in marriage to Merrill D. Gramke on June 25, 1971 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and to this union two children were born: Rhonda Sue and Troy Merrill. The family made their home in Upland, where she was a dedicated farm wife and helped care for many of the family animals through the years. Carol Mae was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hildreth, Zion Lutheran Church in Upland, and later St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden. She enjoyed gardening, canning and baking: she even won a purple ribbon at the fair for her meringue pie. Carol Mae was an avid Husker football and volleyball fan. She also followed the Kansas City Chiefs and Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors. She enjoyed attending music and theatrical events, and playing cards, especially pitch with her relatives. Carol Mae loved spending time with her family and attending all of her granddaughter’s activities. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Rhonda Johnson and her fiancé, Jon Morgan of Kearney; son, Troy Gramke and his wife, Dotti of Upland; granddaughters, Carrin Gramke and Carmin Gramke; as well as a host of nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended relatives and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Merrill in 2021; siblings, Lorrena (Myron) Kersenbrock, Orval (Beulah) Bunger, and Luella Frerichs; and sister-in-law, Dolores (Dwaine) Soucie. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Carol Mae M. Gramke

February 1, 1935 - September 23, 2025