Thursday, July 28, 2011
A year ago, today...
Kenny passed away a year ago, today. I've been thinking about him, all day... what he went through, how he fought, how he died, and all that has happened, since. I miss him, very much.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Kenny Tributes
Hi to all,
I just wanted to let any of you who were still waiting for t-shirts or memorial patches to know that the final orders are going out next week. If anyone else would like a t-shirt, memorial patch or GMS shop towel, I can order more, at any time. You can still reach me at 608-358-4418.
Thank you, to everyone, for your help and support as we stood by Kenny during his fight. And, thank you, for your kindness, as we shared our grief in having lost him. The first winter snow has hit in the city where I live, and it makes me think about what Ken would have been doing right now, if he hadn't gotten sick, and if he were still at home, enjoying a little down time during this off-season for the shop. It's funny how realities sink in, in waves, and how in mourning, the memories cycle round and back around, day after day. Just last weekend I was unpacking groceries on a Saturday night, and I thought to myself, I think I'll give Kenny a call after I get these put away. Like so many Saturday nights over so many years in the past. And then it hits. I'll never be able to chat with him on the phone, ever again. I just miss him. I know we all do.
Thank you, for everything.
I just wanted to let any of you who were still waiting for t-shirts or memorial patches to know that the final orders are going out next week. If anyone else would like a t-shirt, memorial patch or GMS shop towel, I can order more, at any time. You can still reach me at 608-358-4418.
Thank you, to everyone, for your help and support as we stood by Kenny during his fight. And, thank you, for your kindness, as we shared our grief in having lost him. The first winter snow has hit in the city where I live, and it makes me think about what Ken would have been doing right now, if he hadn't gotten sick, and if he were still at home, enjoying a little down time during this off-season for the shop. It's funny how realities sink in, in waves, and how in mourning, the memories cycle round and back around, day after day. Just last weekend I was unpacking groceries on a Saturday night, and I thought to myself, I think I'll give Kenny a call after I get these put away. Like so many Saturday nights over so many years in the past. And then it hits. I'll never be able to chat with him on the phone, ever again. I just miss him. I know we all do.
Thank you, for everything.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Memorial T-Shirt, Patch and Shop Towel
Here is a picture of Kenny's memorial t-shirt, memorial patch and shop towel. (Ordering information is available on the previous post.)The picture on this t-shirt is a custom design, which Inga, Debbie and I created, and which was realized through the talent of Miranda Osborn, graphic designer. The missing-man rider, (the bike with no one riding it), the train, (because Kenny loved trains), the corn, (because this is the Midwest!), and the F5's in the distance, flying in "missing man" formation, (for all the years that these jets flew over Ken's shop, going to and from the airbase that was just up the street at the Springfield airport), are all features with special meaning for us, and our memory of Kenny.
Special thanks to Jodell at Embroidery Professionals in Deerfield, WI, for doing all of the heat transfer work for these t-shirts, and having them ready in time for the ride! She will be filling future orders for us, as well, since so many people fell in love with the color version. There is no deadline for ordering, as orders will be placed weekly, for as long as people want the shirt.
The memorial patch is from "TropiCool Accents" in Texas, (made in the U.S.A!), and is fully embroidered, with a one-of-a-kind midnight blue custom-dyed thread for its background. Special thanks to Mike Williams at TropiCool, for creating such a beautiful design, and for his quality workmanship. Kenny would have approved!
The shop towel is the exact towel that Kenny always used at the shop, which so many of you commented on, (how Kenny was always dusting or polishing something as he talked with you), and, in fact, these very towels came from his in-shop supply. They were custom embroidered, by Jodell, at Embroidery Professionals in Deerfield, WI.
We only hope that these items are a fitting tribute to Ken, and that they will help you to hold on to your memories of him, with love and honor.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thank you, riders!!!
THANK YOU, RIDERS
Thank you, to everyone who attended last Saturday's "Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride". What an awesome group of people! We're sorry to have missed those of you who were unable to make the ride. Though the morning started out with a few sprinkles in Springfield, the weather was beautiful the further south we rode, down to Mt. Olive, where it was sunny and warm.
PHOTOS
The big group photo that was taken at the Springfield airport, (prior to the ride leaving for Mt. Olive), will be embossed with the event info, and then it will be made available to all riders, as well as those folks who missed the event but who still want a copy of the picture. Also, we will have a CD of all pictures from the event, which includes pics from the Springfield airport, where we met up, pics taken during the ride down Interstate 55, pics at the cemetery, and pics from the banquet hall.
T-SHIRTS, MEMORIAL PATCHES, SHOP TOWELS
The memorial items are available for ordering. Please call or write Laura Grman, (Ken's sister), at either of the following: Cell phone: 608-358-4418 eMail: laura@stratess.com
T-Shirt $25 (Color or B&W)
Memorial Patch $15
Shop Towel $15
(Cash, Check, Money Order or Credit Card)
Special thanks to Stan Hall and Dave Winkle, for leading the ride. Thank you, also, to the Springfield Airport Authority, for allowing us to use their parking lot and conference room for meet-up and registration.
Kenny would have been really moved at the outpouring of love and kind words from all of his friends and customers. Kenny will always be remembered, and his family will always remember all of you, for the friendship that you have shown and all that you have done. Again, thank you, very very much.
Keep watching the blog, for more info on pictures!
Love to you all,
Laura
(Ken's sister)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride & Fundraiser, Saturday, 9/18/2010
Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride and Fundraiser
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
1200 N. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707
(We're meeting at Standard Aero's parking lot, formerly Garrett Aviation)
Registration: 11:30am–12:30pm
$20.00 Donation
Photo: 12:45pm
We will be taking a photo of the entire group, before we leave the Airport. This photo, embossed, along with a full CD of the 'best photos of the day', will be made available to all riders. Info will be available at Registration.
Ride: 1:00pm
We'll be leaving for Mt. Olive, IL, where Ken is buried, at 1:00pm, sharp. The registration staff will stay around until 1:30pm, for any late comers, but please try to make it before 12:30pm, so that you can be a part of the big group photo at 12:45pm.
Destination:
Hurley’s Banquet Center & Main Street Saloon
113 W. Main, Mt. Olive, IL 62069 (217) 999-3411
The route we're taking from the Airport will be Interstate 55, Exit 44 Mt. Olive, Left on 138, which turns into Main Street.
When we first arrive in Mt. Olive, we will stop at the cemetery where Ken has been laid to rest, where we will pay our respects and say a few words. From there, we will continue on to Hurley's Banquet Center.
Event:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hurley's Banquet Center
Lunch:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans
Triple Chocolate Cake
Beverages & Beer
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hurley's Tavern
Kenny Tribute:
Our Thank-You's to Everyone
Share Your Stories About Kenny - Pass the microphone, which will be hooked into the bar-wide sound system, so that everyone in the bar, no matter where they are sitting, will be able to hear.
Kenny's Favorite Music
We will have the following items available:
- "Grman's Motorcycle Service" T-shirts (Memorial Commemorative)
- Kenny Grman Memorial Shop Towel ( 12" x 12", custom embroidered, the kind he used)
- Memorial Patch ( http://www.tropicoolaccents.com/product143.html )
9:30pm
If you wanna stay on....
Live Music / Band
We're making this a very special tribute event for Kenny, and we're hoping to see as many of Ken's friends and customers as possible! Please spread the word!!!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email:
Laura 608-358-4418
laura@stratess.com
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
1200 N. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707
(We're meeting at Standard Aero's parking lot, formerly Garrett Aviation)
Registration: 11:30am–12:30pm
$20.00 Donation
Photo: 12:45pm
We will be taking a photo of the entire group, before we leave the Airport. This photo, embossed, along with a full CD of the 'best photos of the day', will be made available to all riders. Info will be available at Registration.
Ride: 1:00pm
We'll be leaving for Mt. Olive, IL, where Ken is buried, at 1:00pm, sharp. The registration staff will stay around until 1:30pm, for any late comers, but please try to make it before 12:30pm, so that you can be a part of the big group photo at 12:45pm.
Destination:
Hurley’s Banquet Center & Main Street Saloon
113 W. Main, Mt. Olive, IL 62069 (217) 999-3411
The route we're taking from the Airport will be Interstate 55, Exit 44 Mt. Olive, Left on 138, which turns into Main Street.
When we first arrive in Mt. Olive, we will stop at the cemetery where Ken has been laid to rest, where we will pay our respects and say a few words. From there, we will continue on to Hurley's Banquet Center.
Event:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hurley's Banquet Center
Lunch:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans
Triple Chocolate Cake
Beverages & Beer
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hurley's Tavern
Kenny Tribute:
Our Thank-You's to Everyone
Share Your Stories About Kenny - Pass the microphone, which will be hooked into the bar-wide sound system, so that everyone in the bar, no matter where they are sitting, will be able to hear.
Kenny's Favorite Music
We will have the following items available:
- "Grman's Motorcycle Service" T-shirts (Memorial Commemorative)
- Kenny Grman Memorial Shop Towel ( 12" x 12", custom embroidered, the kind he used)
- Memorial Patch ( http://www.tropicoolaccents.com/product143.html )
9:30pm
If you wanna stay on....
Live Music / Band
We're making this a very special tribute event for Kenny, and we're hoping to see as many of Ken's friends and customers as possible! Please spread the word!!!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email:
Laura 608-358-4418
laura@stratess.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride & Fundraiser
Dear friends of Kenny,
As many of you know, Ken Grman passed away on Wednesday, July 28th, after a long battle with esophageal cancer. After 30 years in Springfield, as the owner and operator Grman's Motorcycle Service, where he provided the highest quality workmanship and customer service to be found, we are now saying 'goodbye' to Kenny.
From the very day of his diagnosis, and the subsequent months while he was fighting, dozens and dozens of Kenny's friends and customers sent their kind wishes and support, asking if there was anything that they could do to help. There were countless offers to throw fundraisers and the such, but due to the potential financial complications, nothing could be done, at the time. Sadly, we have lost Ken, and the family is now working through the slow process of grieving, and figuring out how life will now change as a result of his departure.
We appreciate hearing every horn that honks as it drives past the shop, as we know that you are sending your condolences with that small gesture, which means so much to us. Finally, we are able to throw that big party for Ken that we weren't able to throw, earlier, and with the planning now finished, we are ready to extend our heartfelt invitation to you all:
Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride and Fundraiser
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
1200 N. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707
(We're meeting at Standard Aero's parking lot, formerly Garrett Aviation)
Registration: 11:30am–12:30pm
$20.00 Donation
Photo: 12:45pm
We will be taking a photo of the entire group, before we leave the Airport. This photo, embossed, along with a full CD of the 'best photos of the day', will be made available to all riders. Info will be available at Registration.
Ride: 1:00pm
We'll be leaving for Mt. Olive, IL, where Ken is buried, at 1:00pm, sharp. The registration staff will stay around until 1:30pm, for any late comers, but please try to make it before 12:30pm, so that you can be a part of the big group photo at 12:45pm.
Destination:
Hurley’s Banquet Center & Main Street Saloon
113 W. Main, Mt. Olive, IL 62069 (217) 999-3411
The route we're taking from the Airport will be Interstate 55, Exit 44 Mt. Olive, Left on 138, which turns into Main Street.
When we first arrive in Mt. Olive, we will stop at the cemetery where Ken has been laid to rest, where we will pay our respects and say a few words. From there, we will continue on to Hurley's Banquet Center.
Event:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hurley's Banquet Center
Lunch:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans
Triple Chocolate Cake
Beverages & Beer
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hurley's Tavern
Kenny Tribute:
Our Thank-You's to Everyone
Share Your Stories About Kenny - Pass the microphone, which will be hooked into the bar-wide sound system, so that everyone in the bar, no matter where they are sitting, will be able to hear.
Kenny's Favorite Music
We will have the following items available:
- "Grman's Motorcycle Service" T-shirts
- Kenny Grman Memorial Shop Towel ( 14" x 14" custom embroidered)
- Memorial Patches
9:30pm
If you wanna stay on....
Live Music / Band
We're making this a very special tribute event for Kenny, and we're hoping to see as many of Ken's friends and customers as possible! Please spread the word!!!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email:
Laura 608-358-4418
laura@stratess.com
Love to you all!
As many of you know, Ken Grman passed away on Wednesday, July 28th, after a long battle with esophageal cancer. After 30 years in Springfield, as the owner and operator Grman's Motorcycle Service, where he provided the highest quality workmanship and customer service to be found, we are now saying 'goodbye' to Kenny.
From the very day of his diagnosis, and the subsequent months while he was fighting, dozens and dozens of Kenny's friends and customers sent their kind wishes and support, asking if there was anything that they could do to help. There were countless offers to throw fundraisers and the such, but due to the potential financial complications, nothing could be done, at the time. Sadly, we have lost Ken, and the family is now working through the slow process of grieving, and figuring out how life will now change as a result of his departure.
We appreciate hearing every horn that honks as it drives past the shop, as we know that you are sending your condolences with that small gesture, which means so much to us. Finally, we are able to throw that big party for Ken that we weren't able to throw, earlier, and with the planning now finished, we are ready to extend our heartfelt invitation to you all:
Kenny Grman Memorial Tribute Ride and Fundraiser
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
1200 N. Airport Road, Springfield, IL 62707
(We're meeting at Standard Aero's parking lot, formerly Garrett Aviation)
Registration: 11:30am–12:30pm
$20.00 Donation
Photo: 12:45pm
We will be taking a photo of the entire group, before we leave the Airport. This photo, embossed, along with a full CD of the 'best photos of the day', will be made available to all riders. Info will be available at Registration.
Ride: 1:00pm
We'll be leaving for Mt. Olive, IL, where Ken is buried, at 1:00pm, sharp. The registration staff will stay around until 1:30pm, for any late comers, but please try to make it before 12:30pm, so that you can be a part of the big group photo at 12:45pm.
Destination:
Hurley’s Banquet Center & Main Street Saloon
113 W. Main, Mt. Olive, IL 62069 (217) 999-3411
The route we're taking from the Airport will be Interstate 55, Exit 44 Mt. Olive, Left on 138, which turns into Main Street.
When we first arrive in Mt. Olive, we will stop at the cemetery where Ken has been laid to rest, where we will pay our respects and say a few words. From there, we will continue on to Hurley's Banquet Center.
Event:
2:00pm - 5:00pm
Hurley's Banquet Center
Lunch:
Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans
Triple Chocolate Cake
Beverages & Beer
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hurley's Tavern
Kenny Tribute:
Our Thank-You's to Everyone
Share Your Stories About Kenny - Pass the microphone, which will be hooked into the bar-wide sound system, so that everyone in the bar, no matter where they are sitting, will be able to hear.
Kenny's Favorite Music
We will have the following items available:
- "Grman's Motorcycle Service" T-shirts
- Kenny Grman Memorial Shop Towel ( 14" x 14" custom embroidered)
- Memorial Patches
9:30pm
If you wanna stay on....
Live Music / Band
We're making this a very special tribute event for Kenny, and we're hoping to see as many of Ken's friends and customers as possible! Please spread the word!!!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email:
Laura 608-358-4418
laura@stratess.com
Love to you all!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
RSVP for Ken's Memorial Tribute Ride on Sept. 18th
Hi all,
We're finalizing the details for Ken's Memorial Tribute Ride, planned for Saturday, September 18th, (please see previous Post), and we need to get an idea of how many folks will be joining in.
Please email me at laura@stratess.com, or call me at 608-358-4418, to let me know that you're joining the ride.
We'll know by tomorrow just exactly where the riders will be meeting up on the 18th, though we know it will be somewhere here in Springfield at 12:00pm, noon. We'll also know the route we'll be taking down to Mt. Olive, where Ken is buried. The pig roast, picnic foods and beer will be served at Hurley's Banquet Center on Main Street, in Mt. Olive. Afterward, we'll continue on at Hurley's Tavern, next door.
Fliers will be posted and distributed around Springfield next week, so keep your eyes open for one, and spread the word!
We miss our Kenny terribly,
Laura
(Ken's sister)
We're finalizing the details for Ken's Memorial Tribute Ride, planned for Saturday, September 18th, (please see previous Post), and we need to get an idea of how many folks will be joining in.
Please email me at laura@stratess.com, or call me at 608-358-4418, to let me know that you're joining the ride.
We'll know by tomorrow just exactly where the riders will be meeting up on the 18th, though we know it will be somewhere here in Springfield at 12:00pm, noon. We'll also know the route we'll be taking down to Mt. Olive, where Ken is buried. The pig roast, picnic foods and beer will be served at Hurley's Banquet Center on Main Street, in Mt. Olive. Afterward, we'll continue on at Hurley's Tavern, next door.
Fliers will be posted and distributed around Springfield next week, so keep your eyes open for one, and spread the word!
We miss our Kenny terribly,
Laura
(Ken's sister)
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