The original owners of what is now the Gramer Funeral Home. Eli Phillips and his wife, Mary Ann Baker. (1893)

Eli Phillips and his family outside what is now the Gramer Funeral Home. (1893)

History courtesy of Deloris Kumler

This historic building has been operating as a funeral home since the early 1940's, and was purchased by Henry Gramer in 1952. Today, Henry is retired, and his son, Paul, carries on the tradition of service to families in Clawson, Royal Oak, Troy, Shelby Township, and surrounding communities.

Of course, the landmark old house has changed considerably since then, but our history of service to the community endures to this day. We pride ourselves in preserving and maintaining this venerable historic landmark, which was honored with the Clawson Beautification Award in the year 2000 for the enhancement in landscaping of the business site.

In 2003, Paul and his wife, Elizabeth, purchased Diener Chapel in Shelby Township, returning this once corporate-owned funeral home into local ownership.

Special
Dedication

Henry Gramer, Founder

He has been a member of the Nomads Club for 20 years, a member of the Lions Club for 48 years, and a member of the Rotary Club of Clawson for 15 years. Henry also is past President for the two latter organizations. In addition, he has been a charter member of the Knights of Columbus for 45 years.

Henry retired from the Funeral Home in 1995, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Richard Gramer

Richard and his wife, Marilyn, lived at the funeral home for nearly 38 years. During that time, they raised their three children, Mike, Rick, and Karen. After his many years of hard work and devotion to Gramer Funeral Home, Richard retired in June of 2000. He now enjoys spending time relaxing and restoring cars both at his house in Clawson and at his cabin in Harrison Township.