Gerald R. Gramke

Gerald R. Gramke passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 92. Jerry was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of almost 68 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Gramke (nee Nieman) and a loving father to their five children: Joseph, who preceded him in death, (Kathleen); James (Teresa); Jeffrey (Jane); Julie (Thomas) Busken; and Jay (Michele). He was a proud grandfather to Sarah Gramke, Ellen Gramke, Kelly Shafer, Lauren Gramke, Kristin (AJ) Frasz, Jack Gramke, Drew (Kortney) Gramke, Nick (Brittany) Gramke, Ben (Megan) Gramke, Emily (Alex) Wendling, Maria (Austin Roll) Busken, Claire Busken, Jen Busken, Will Busken, Sam Adams, and Mia Gramke. He treasured each of his great-grandchildren: Katie, Lilly, Jim, Finley, Vivian, Holden, Jordan, Valerie, Marshall, Joel, Eli and #12 arriving in June! He also leaves behind 41 nieces and nephews and two siblings: Mary Carol Ernst and Wayne (Gerry) Gramke.

Jerry began his legacy of service while still in his teens, leaving high school early to join the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He described his role there as “Klinger without the dress” (for fans of the TV show M.A.S.H.), working as a medic. After his military service, he expanded on his medical knowledge and earned his degree at the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science. Upon graduation, he joined the Cincinnati Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, then on the robbery squad, and retired as a homicide detective. He was far from the first Gramke to join the Cincinnati Police, nor was he the last. Jerry followed his grandfather, father, uncle, and two older brothers onto the force, and three of his four sons served on and retired from CPD and HCSO. After his time with the Cincinnati Police Department, Jerry went on to work at Provident Bank as Security Director and retired as a Vice President. He also served as Chairman of the Board for the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union for 40 years.

When he wasn’t on the clock, Jerry enjoyed working on cars and owned 85 over the course of his life, including a Ford Model T. He kept a handwritten journal of each car he owned on a shelf in the garage and had an almost uncanny ability to identify the make, model, and year of virtually all cars built up until 1970. His grandchildren were often greeted with a “Hey kid, when’s the last time you changed the oil in that car?” after they pulled into the driveway to stop in for a visit and a blue Powerade. In addition to cars, he collected beer cans throughout the 70s and loved a good poker game or practical joke. He also enjoyed sports, especially watching his kids or grandkids out on the field. Or court. Or pool. A true Westsider, he was frequently seen camped out in the stands of The Pit, watching the Elder Panthers play football on Friday nights.

For those that may not have had the chance to meet Jerry during his time on Earth, he was truly the epitome of a gentle giant, physically towering over most people he met but always serving his community and country with compassion, honor and integrity. Jerry’s generosity will be remembered by everyone from his closest family to the many servers at Christine’s, where they knew him and his order by heart. (Onion rings, anyone?) His enduring friendships and unwavering love for his family will never be forgotten, especially his love for his devoted wife, Betty. In recent years, they’d started a new competition and would race to be the first to say, “I love you the mostest” each morning; any time after midnight counted.

In lieu of flowers, please share your favorite "dad joke" with a loved one (it only counts if they audibly groan at the punchline) or a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory would be appreciated.

Service Details:

Visitation, Thursday May 7th at Radel Funeral home from 5-7 PM

Celebration of Life Mass at St. Simon Catholic Church at 10:30 AM

Luncheon at Plagge Hall, next to St. Simon, immediately following Mass