Otto George Gramlich III

Otto George Gramlich (known to friends and family as George or O.G.) of Sonoma, California, began the next phase of his journey on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, passing away of natural causes, in his home.  He was 77.  George was born on December 31, 1940, in San Francisco, Calif.   He attended Francis Scott Key Elementary School, Aptos Junior High School, Lincoln High School, and City College of San Francisco. In 1962 he married Joanne Orengo and they were married for 22 years. Together they had 2 children, Michael and Gary. George worked as a Business Machine Technician for the Palo Alto School District for 20 years, then started his own business, where for over 25 years he repaired business machines and typewriters.

George loved music and the ocean.  He played the violin in an orchestra while attending grade school and junior high.  He then learned the guitar and sang at every opportunity. He especially loved family gatherings where everyone sang. He was also an avid sportsman.  His interests included waterskiing, hunting and surfing. He also played football in high school and college and was an avid 49er fan!

Mike has fond memories of hunting, backpacking and camping with his dad. He and Gary also enjoyed many waterskiing trips with him. George loved his 3 grandchildren and gathering with the family to celebrate their birthdays. He always brought his guitar and had everyone singing along to his music. George also enjoyed spending Christmas with Mike, Kris and his grandchildren.

Over the last 10 years, George enjoyed spending time with Gary and Ann at their mountain retreat.  Hunting and driving around the countryside made for some wonderful father/son time.  On many occasions their evenings were spent playing guitars and singing, long after Ann went to bed!  One of our fondest memories was when we had the whole family together in the mountains to celebrate Father’s Day with George.  He loved having his sons and grandkids around, watching them on motorbikes, go-carts and experiencing his first s’mores. 

George was on the quiet side but had a great sense of humor! And while it may not have always been easily expressed, his family meant everything to him and he had a deep love for each and every one. He will be greatly missed.  

George is survived by his sons, Michael and Gary Gramlich; brothers Lance and Daniel Gramlich; his sister, Joan Eakin; and his grandchildren, David, Ryan, and Nicole.

A Celebration of Life, hosted by his family, will be held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA 95476, on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at Moon Valley Mobile Park, 1001 Fifth St. West, Sonoma.  Memorial donations may be made in George’s name to the American Heart Association or American Lung Association.

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