Douglas “Doug” Kramer

Obituary

Douglas John Kramer was born on August 11, 1934, in Bird Island, Minnesota, the 4th oldest of 12 children born to Frank J. and Lucy (Dummer) Kramer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island. Doug grew up helping on the family farm, attended country school in Osceola Township, and graduated from Hector High School with the Class of 1953. Doug was drafted into the United States Army in 1956. He served for two years and spent time at Fort Bliss Texas, and White Sands Proving Grounds in New Mexico. He then transferred to the Minnesota Army Reserves until 1962. Throughout Doug’s life he worked various jobs in Hector, the Twin Cities, and Florida. His work included time at the DX Station, Armour Meat Company, and Scott-Atwater an outboard motor company but none of these jobs fulfilled his passion for farming.

In the spring of 1960 Doug was given the opportunity to pursue his love of farming.

On January 7, 1961, Doug was united in marriage to Phyllis Arlene Steele at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island, Minnesota. They made their home in Brookfield Township, north of Hector, where Doug continued farming until 2004, when they moved to Hector. Their union was blessed with four children who have since blessed them with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Doug was an active member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. He enjoyed mowing St. John’s Cemetery and serving as an usher for many years. He served on the Hector Farmers Coop Exchange Board.

When Doug was not farming, he spent time working in and organizing his shop. After he moved to town he made regular visits to the farm, he enjoyed gardening, and tinkering in his garage. He was a regular at Pete’s Grill and looked forward to his discussions with friends over a cup of coffee.

Doug and Phyllis enjoyed traveling to Laughlin and Las Vegas in the winter. They enjoyed running into friends at Jackpot Junction and making new friends there. They often brought home “free” merchandise for their kids and grandkids.

On Saturday evening, December 30, 2023, Doug was surrounded by his family when he passed away at Prairie View Assisted Living. Blessed be his memory.

Doug is survived by his:
Wife of nearly 63 years, Phyllis Kramer of Hector, MN;
Children, Jeff Kramer and Lori Carlson of Hector, MN,
Deb and Paul Roberts of Lino Lakes, MN,
Wanda Delfs and Ken Polzin of Cokato, MN, and
Kim and Jim Kneisl of Delano, MN;
Grandchildren and Bonus Grandchildren, Jake Kramer, Jordan Kramer, Lindsey Kramer, Courtney Kramer, Justin Roberts, Amanda Roberts, Jessica Delfs, Kevin Kneisl, Meghan Carlson, and Cole Carlson;
Great-Grandchildren, Avery, Henry, and Charlie Kramer, Brooks Kramer, Hannah and Collin Roberts, Esme Ezike, Delanie VanderVoort, Cooper and Logan Carlson;
Siblings, Helen Carda of New Ulm, MN, Lucille Ryan of Hector, MN, Robert Kramer of Hutchinson, MN, Mary Ann Goihl and her husband, John of Eden Prairie, MN, Marlys Determan and her husband, David of North Andover, MA, Judy Kelly of Shakopee, MN, Mike Kramer and his wife, Rhonda of Hutchinson, MN, Colleen Johnson and her husband, Brett of Hopkins, MN;
In-laws, Carol Kramer of Buffalo Lake, MN, Barbara Kramer of Hector, MN, John Hutchinson of Hopkins, MN;
And many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, George and Hazel Steele, Stan Carda, Tim Kelly, David Muesing, James Ryan, Delores Kramer, Eleanor and Don Cronkright, Luella and Frank Wheeler, Pauline and Dewey Osborne, Betty and Gene Prescott, Thelma and Jack Sutherland; Brothers, Eugene and Francis Kramer; Sister, Joann Hutchinson; Nephews, Justin, Dan and Scott Kramer, and Tom Ryan; Niece, Jackie Walker.