Ethel Gramm, 94, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in Sioux Falls surrounded by family and loved ones. A memorial service will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Will Funeral Chapel; visitation will begin an hour prior. Burial will be in the American Legion Cemetery. Family requests memorial be sent to the American Legion Post 18 in Mitchell.

Ethel was born July 29, 1929, in Tripp, S.D., daughter of George and Lucile Heisinger. She grew up on a farm north of Tripp. Ethel graduated from Parkston High School and earned a teaching degree from Spearfish Teachers College. She married the love of her life, Merlin Gramm in Parkston, S.D., April 23, 1955. The couple lived in Bridgewater, Arlington, and Parkston before moving to Mitchell in 1966. She and Merlin raised 7 children, fostered, counseled, and welcomed many more. They welcomed numerous grandkids, before Merlin passed in May of 1996. Ethel continued to love and encourage a strong family bond among her children and eventually 19 grands and 34 great-grands. All family events were a priority. Time of night didn't matter; G-mama was most often among the last to retire even in her 90s. Her greatest pleasures ensued from watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren live and love.

Throughout her life, Ethel also enjoyed many fruitful working ventures as a country school teacher, motel receptionist, head Postmaster for Dakota Wesleyan University and clothing store owner/manager of Fashion Crossroads. She was active in the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, President of the Mitchell American Legion Auxiliary, member of the VFW Auxiliary, and Women of the Moose. She was on the Cemetery Board for Graceland Servicemen's Cemetery and played in several Bridge Clubs – cards being her most favorite pastime with family and friends.

Ethel continues to be loved by her children, Jeff (Lawana) Gramm, Mesa, AZ; Jerry Gramm, Central City, S.D.; Cathy (Dale) Anderson, Sioux Falls; Mary (Rick) Pierson, Hastings, MN.; Mike (Paula) Gramm, Custer, S.D.; Shelly (Dan) Fridley, Sioux Falls; David Gramm, Sioux Falls; 19 grandchildren and their spouses;  34 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Merlin; parents George and Lucile Heisinger; brother and sister-in-law Eddie (Margaret) Heisinger; sister and brother-in law, Alice (Herman) Schmidt; sister and brother-in-law Loraine (Wendell) McNeely; daughter-in-law, Sheila Gramm, mother-in-law Ida (Joe) Hofer and father-in-law Helmuth Gramm.