Phyllis A. Kramer

Obituary

Phyllis Arlene (Steele) Kramer was born on April 15, 1939, in Gladwin, Michigan. She was the youngest of six daughters born to George and Hazel (Wirick) Steele.

Phyllis was raised in the Methodist faith and later confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island, Minnesota. She graduated from Gladwin High School with the Class of 1957 and worked at a local diner before moving to Minneapolis. While there, she attended the Gale Institute, earning a degree in Airline and Railroad Communications. Following her graduation, she worked as a stenographer for Northwest Airlines until moving to Hector in 1961.

On January 7, 1961, Phyllis was united in marriage to Douglas Kramer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island. Together, they made their home in Brookfield Township, north of Hector, where Phyllis was a devoted partner on the family farm. She managed the household, supported the farming operation, and lovingly cared for their family. Their marriage was blessed with four children, who later brought the joy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2004, Phyllis and Doug moved into Hector.

Phyllis was a hard worker with a servant’s heart. She worked tirelessly alongside Douglas on the farm while managing the household and caring for her family. Always eager to help, she volunteered her time at church and in the community, for sewing projects, mending clothing, repairing items, delivering Meals on Wheels, baking for others, and generously sharing her time and talents. As an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector, she contributed in many meaningful ways.

Phyllis and Doug enjoyed winter trips to Laughlin and Las Vegas and especially cherished time spent with friends at Jackpot Junction. Phyllis loved treasure hunting at garage sales, antique stores, and flea markets, always on the lookout for a special find or a good bargain. She also enjoyed playing cards and games with family and friends.

Music was a special joy in Phyllis’s life. She loved singing—in her high school glee club, in her home, in the car, and at church. Even during her time at Harmony River, her voice could often be heard singing her favorite hymns, a testament to her enduring faith.

Phyllis was surrounded by her family as she passed away peacefully at Harmony River. Blessed be her memory.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated and compassionate staff at Harmony River, Allina Health Hospice, and Prairie View for the care and kindness shown to Phyllis in her final months and years.

Phyllis is survived by: her children, Jeff Kramer and Lori Carlson of Hector, Deb and Paul Roberts of Lino Lakes, Wanda Delfs and Ken Polzin of Cokato, and Kim and Jim Kneisl of Delano; grandchildren and bonus grandchildren, Jake Kramer (Dana), Jordan Kramer (Jennifer), Lindsey Kramer (Dillon), Courtney Kramer (Raeann), Justin Roberts (Sarah), Amanda Roberts, Jessica Delfs (Thomas), Kevin Kneisl, Meghan Carlson, and Cole Carlson (Jenny); and great-grandchildren, Avery, Henry, and Charlie Kramer, Brooks Kramer, Hannah and Collin Roberts, Esme Ezike, Aspen Berlin, Delanie VanderVoort, Cooper and Logan Carlson.

Phyllis is further survived by her husband’s siblings and spouses, Lucille Ryan of Hutchinson, Robert Kramer of Hutchinson, Mary Ann (John) Goihl of Eden Prairie, Marlys (David) Determan of North Andover, MA, Judy Kelly of Shakopee, Mike (Rhonda) Kramer of Hutchinson, Colleen (Brett) Johnson of Hopkins, Carol Kramer of Buffalo Lake, and Barbara Kramer of Hector; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Kramer; her parents, George and Hazel Steele; her parents-in-law, Frank and Lucy Kramer; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Eleanor (Don) Cronkright, Luella (Frank) Wheeler, Pauline (Dewey) Osborne, Betty (Gene) Prescott, and Thelma (Jack) Sutherland; her husband’s siblings and spouses: Helen (Stan) Carda, Joann (John) Hutchinson, Tim Kelly, Delores Kramer, Eugene Kramer, Francis Kramer, David Muesing, and James Ryan; her niece Jackie Walker; and nephews, Dan Kramer, Justin Kramer, Scott Kramer, and Tom Ryan.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family kindly asks that you honor Phyllis’s memory with a donation to the Allina Health Hospice Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter, or any other charity that holds a special place in your heart.