Dramm Company Founder Kurt William Dramm Passes Away

By Brian D. Sparks|May 18, 2023

Kurt William Dramm, who co-founded the Dramm Company with his brother John in 1968 as a producer of garden and greenhouse products, passed away on Tuesday, May 16 at the age of 85.

Following his brother’s early death, Kurt developed the Dramm Corporation over the next 45 years with four divisions existing today: Commercial Greenhouse Equipment, Retail Gardening Products, Drammatic Organic Fertilizer, and DRAMMwater for greenhouse water treatment systems. Under Kurt’s leadership, the Dramm family-owned business has entered its third generation. Kurt never actually retired, always saying “maybe next year”.

Kurt was born on November 25, 1938, to Perdita (Perham) Dramm and John G. Dramm. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1957, attended St. Olaf College, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a double major in business and horticulture (in college, he was affectionately known as “Flower Pot”.). These two majors influenced his entire career. After graduating college, Kurt worked for the Vaughan Seed Company with a sales territory covering the Southeastern U.S.

Kurt is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlene, children Heidi Becker (Kurt) and Hans Dramm (Sarah Keller); four grandchildren, Max Becker (Alexis), Noah Becker, Anna Becker, and Bea Dramm.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 19, 2023, at First Lutheran Church, 521 N.8th St. Manitowoc. Visitation hours are from 12:00 PM until 1:45 PM at the church. A celebration of his life will be held at The Dramm Corp., 1425 Dufek Dr., Manitowoc at 4:00 PM.