My blue-eyed blonde son Robert Grams' story began July 15, 1992, and ended on February 22, 2026, due to a medical emergency. We called him Bobby. He preferred Robert with new acquaintances as he got older. At age two, his father was diagnosed with brain cancer and died in 2000. Sometimes as a child he was misunderstood, but he soldiered on and found solace in nature.
Bobby attended Our Lady of Good Counsel grade school in Aurora, IL and Oswego, IL schools. He graduated from the University of North Dakota Grand Forks.
Bobby worked for the Park District in Grand Forks, ND while in college. After college he worked at Wyoming Game and Fish, UPS in Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Colorado, The Fox Valley Park District in Aurora, and Davey Tree in Naperville and Denver.
Bobby had a great interest in history especially WWII which he shared with his grandpa Bud. I found a handwritten WWII interview he completed with his grandpa.
Many vacations and visits were all about the outdoors. Camping and hiking and being in the beauty of open places gave him peace. He was able to visit so many National, State, County Parks and Forests, and Bureau of Land Management sites either on his own trips or with family. The Grand Tetons and Greys River Road in the Bridger-Teton National Forest were favorites along with Glacier National Park. Monument Valley was also a special spot. He learned fly fishing and float fishing on the North Platte River along with rafting trips down the Snake River in WY. He slept under the stars in The Great Sand Dunes National Park last summer multiple times.
Bobby's love of hockey began with Cousin Matt. He passed the hockey bug on to his nephew Jackson. His time with his niece and nephew was precious. Bobby would send postcards to Jackson and Adalynn from areas he had visited or just send them a beautiful picture of the west. He wanted to share this very special place with them.
As Andrea and I went through Bobby's memory boxes, we found he was a collector of all things important in his life. Search and save no more, Bobby. You are safe now in your father's arms with God's love around you both.
Robert Bradley Grams was preceded in death by his father Bradley Robert Grams in 2000, Grandfather Clarence (Bud) Abel, Grandmothers Dolores Grams and Carol Abel, and his Uncle Gary Grams. He is survived by his mother Ruth (Gary Coveny) Grams of Aurora, sister Andrea (Jeremy) Bilskey, nephew Jackson Bilskey and niece Adalynn Bilskey of DePere, WI, Grandfather Edward Grams of Elburn, IL, Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
A special thank you to family and friends that have been by his side so closely, Aunt Cindy Abel, Aunt Laura (Brad) Pell, Uncle Bill (Kim Bailey) Abel, Aunt Linda Moore and Luke Moore, Mary Ann and Mark Feltes, Jan Kinsel and Aunt Sandy. At this time, it is difficult to name everyone, but you are no less appreciated.
Rest now, Bobby. Your family and friends will hike or just view the wonder of our lands for you. Thank you for being my son. Andrea is honored to be your sister and I am honored to be called your mother forever. Forever in our hearts with your father. We will always remember.
Funeral service will be held on March 16, 2026 at New Song Community Church (2858 Hafenrichter Rd, Aurora, IL 60503). Reverend Matthew Kusch will officiate. Visitation at 10AM with funeral service at 11AM. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his father.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the National Forest Foundation, Missoula MT, Nationalforests.org or the donor's choice.
Services in the care of The Daleiden Mortuary (220 North Lake Street, Aurora, IL 60506).