Martin Gramlick, 87, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, March 16, 1939, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Friday, July 17, 2026 at Memorial Hospital West in Belleville, IL.
Martin worked as a comptroller for a car dealership for 40 years, earning the respect of colleagues and customers alike. After retirement, he followed his passion and opened his own sporting card shop, a place where kids loved hunting for the hidden “free card” he tucked away, just for fun.
A lifetime Cardinals fan and avid softball player for four decades, he was known for his competitive spirit and easy smile. He often joked that he was the “guy with all the nicknames,” a badge of honor that reflected how many people felt close enough to give him one.
He was a good man, a loving father, and a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather who found joy in watching his grandkids’ ballgames, recitals, and telling them stories from his own childhood. His family will always remember his quirky charm-like wearing socks on the beach and his simple pleasures, especially his favorite treat: an orange vanilla twist.
He cherished his mornings spent having breakfast with “the gang,” sharing laughs and stories that became part of his daily rhythm. A great father-in-law, mentor and loyal friend, he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and dependability that will live on in every story told and every game watched in his honor.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Eddie and Mary Longhi, Babinsky
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Jeanette M. Gramlick, nee Keaton, of Belleville, IL
- Daughter: Terri (Donald) Muren of Belleville, IL
- Son: Marty (Christine) Gramlick of Chicago, IL
- Grandchildren:
- Corey (Michael) Aleman-Muren
- Tyler (Katie) Muren
- Rachel (Damen) Hartwick
- Evie Gramlick
- Maddie Gramlick
- Great-Grandchildren:
- Adam Aleman-Muren
- Alyssa Aleman-Muren
- Allison Muren
- Kolton Hartwick, due in December
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Shrine of Our Lady of Snows.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2026 at St. Henry Catholic Church at 5314 W. Main St. in Belleville, IL.
Services: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 27, 2026 at St. Henry Catholic Church, with Father Kenneth York officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
*To honor Martin, please wear St. Louis Cardinals attire.
