Camarillo
Werner Gramckow
October 22, 1919 – January 1, 2015
Werner was born and grew up in Hamburg, Germany. At age 20 he was conscripted into Hitler’s Army. He spent six years in the war. His most harrowing wartime experiences occurred during the chaotic retreat from the Russia. When the war was over he realized how lucky he was to have been one of the few in his generation to survive.
In 1946 he married the daughter of a long time family friend, Gertrud Bade. Germany had been decimated by the war and Werner longed for a better life. In 1950 he, Gertrud and their two-year old son, Jurgen immigrated to the United States. They came to Ventura, where Werner’s older brother, Hans had emigrated years before.
Life was a struggle in the early years. Werner worked as a bookkeeper and Gertrud did house cleaning. Over the ensuing years Werner and Gertrud bought a house and two more children were born, Heidi, and Martin. They were slowly climbing the ladder of success. In 1960 Werner got a job at Cal-Turf, California’s first sod farm. Werner learned the business and yearned to fulfill his dream of going out on his own.
In 1970, after Jurgen graduated from college Werner and Jurgen started their own sod farm along with some other financial partners. The new business grew and evolved into Southland Sod Farms, which became California’s largest sod grower. Southland is most well know for the development of its flagship brand “Marathon Sod.” The company continues to enjoy great success today.
By 1990 Werner was 71 years old and it was time to retire. He met his second wife Gail and moved to the Vintage Club in Indian Wells where they enjoyed playing tennis and golf. They also travelled extensively. Werner was active well into his 80’s.
Werner is survived by his wife Gail; son Jurgen and his wife Gerry and their children Monika, Kurt and Karin; daughter Heidi Bradbury and her husband Mike and their children Michael, Sean, and Heather; and son Martin and his wife Linda and their children Conrad and Dana.
The family will hold a private service.