Rev. Monroe David Grams

Rev. Monroe David Grams passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home on July 31, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife Betty Jane (2000). He is survived by his wife Clemencia, children Mona Shields (Mike), Rocky (Sherry) and Rachel Schaible (Steve), 8 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. Monroe David Grams was the youngest of 12 born into a family of German immigrants on April 29, 1927. He learned English when he entered grade school and developed a strong work ethic growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm. He graduated from North Central Bible Institute and became a bachelor Pastor. On May 1, 1949, Monroe married Betty Jane. Rather than pursue a comfortable career, they poured out their lives in the isolated highlands of Bolivia. They raised three children in La Paz, Bolivia, where they pioneered ministry on the Altiplano. They built the first Assemblies of God Evangelistic Center in South America and started many innovative programs to train pastors. Broadening the scope of his ministry, he moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, as one of the founders of the Latin American Advanced School of Theology, known as ISUM. Over the course of 36 years, he taught and mentored pastors in every Spanish-speaking country. After 51 years of faithful marriage, Monroe became a widower. A lonely life was not for him! He had more love to give and receive. On November 3, 2001, his prayers were answered when he married Clemencia. The two enjoyed each other’s company for twenty happy years in Fort Lauderdale. They traveled, were active in their church, cheered for the Miami Heat, and never missed their Saturday morning breakfast date at McDonald’s. Monroe was organized, kept meticulous records and knew the date of every major life event. A consummate gentleman, he was kind, generous, and always emphasized the “proper thing to do”. He had a chipper disposition that was evident with special nicknames for friends, saying things with an intentional German accent, or replying with a “yes, yes, YES!”. His sense of humor was contagious and his eyes sparkled when he told about day to day mishaps, German jokes, and funny anecdotes. But, he himself laughed hardest when recounting his missionary “suffering”. Monroe passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home on July 31, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and wife Betty Jane (2000). He is survived by his wife Clemencia, children Mona Shields (Mike), Rocky (Sherry) and Rachel Schaible (Steve), 8 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held at New Hope Church, 6201 SW 160th Ave, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331 on Friday August 6, 2021 at 10:30 AM.