Service Information
John “Jack” Kramer, age 84, of Bloomington, Minnesota, formerly of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, in Bloomington.
Memorial Service will be Friday, August 23, 2024, 11:00 A.M., at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Foundation.
In memory of Jack, casual attire is encouraged.
Obituary
John Peter “Jack” “JP” Kramer was born on February 19, 1940, in Hasty, Minnesota. He was the son of Raymond and Leona (Schmitt) Kramer. John was baptized as an infant on February 25, 1940, in Silver Creek, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on October 18, 1953 at Saint Benedict’s Church in Avon, Minnesota. He received his education in Avon, Minnesota and St. Cloud, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the St. Cloud Tech High School Class of 1958.
John entered active military service in the United States Air Force on July 11, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and served his country. He received an Honorable Discharge on May 4, 1961, at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, and achieved the rank of Airman Second Class.
On November 22, 1962, John was united in marriage to Mary Fiedler at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Minden Township, Minnesota. They raised five daughters, Charlotte, Sally, Suzette, Jill, and Sara. John and Mary resided in St. Cloud, Minnesota; Clear Lake, Minnesota; Winsted, Minnesota; and later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota. They shared 61 years of marriage.
John was employed as a Mechanical Technician at Sterner Lighting in Winsted and at 3M in Hutchinson. He retired in 1998. John was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. John's spirituality was a cornerstone of his life.
John enjoyed traveling throughout the Southwestern United States and through the mountains. He also enjoyed baking breads and his special chili, and crossword puzzles. John was a life-long learner, an avid reader, and had a knack for troubleshooting and problem solving. John was logical by nature, and he loved any opportunity to tackle a challenging problem. He liked building and constructing from plans that he would draw up. He cherished spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
When John needed additional care, he moved to Harmony River in Hutchinson, then to Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington, where he passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the age of 84 years. Blessed be his memory.
John is survived by his:
Wife, Mary Kramer of Bloomington, MN;
Children, Charlotte Cleveland and her husband, Ray of Burnsville, MN,
Sally Gustafson and her husband, Mark of Queen Creek, AZ,
Suzette Taylor and her husband, Mark of Brownton, MN,
Jill Berdan and her husband, Jeff of New Ulm, MN,
Sara Erickson and her husband, Mark of St. Paul, MN;
Grandchildren, Jordan (Ann) Taylor, Kirsten (Kendall) Wolf, Carrie (Jordan) Pagel, Risa Gustafson, Stuart Cleveland, Abe (Brenna) Gustafson, Elias “EJ” Berdan, Walter Cleveland, Ian Berdan, Charlie Erickson, Sam Erickson, Sophie Erickson;
5 Great-grandchildren, Maeve Wolf, Olivia Pagel, Fritz Wolf, Reid Pagel, Teddy Gustafson;
Siblings, Kathy Wolbeck of Melrose, MN,
Ione Fleischhacker and her husband, Benny of Freeport, MN,
Don Kramer and his wife, Mary of Avon, MN,
Renee Gapinski of St. Joseph, MN,
Tim Kramer and his wife, Laurie of Oronoco, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
John is preceded in death by his Daughter, Heidi Rae Kramer; Parents, Raymond and Leona Kramer; Parents-in-law, Herman and Marie Fiedler; Brothers-in-law, Jerry Gapinski, Elmer Wolbeck, Tommy Dockendorf, Frank Guck; Sister-in-law, Janet Fiedler.
Karen Gordon says
My heart goes out to you all. I pray the memories carry you through the hard times and laughter from your memories soothes your pain.
Rodney and Carolyn Kurth says
Mary and family….When John left Hillside Bend (I was gone for a couple days) coming back to visit my husband, I felt an absence in the community. Realizing John was not there walking with his coffee cup on his walker chair and wishing a good day to me; I truly felt a void.
I truly am saddened to read of His passing, but am and wish you also the peace of understanding that John is completely well and in our Lords presence.
Our sincerest thoughts and sympathies in the days and season’s to come.
Julie (Jensen) White says
My sympathies to your family.
Cindy Kingzette Lemke says
Charlotte, my condolences to you, your mom and sisters.
May you find comfort in the days and months to come.
Jean Kokesch says
Jill and family,
Know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate through the days ahead.
Hugs and peace
Tom and Jean Kokesch
Jill Berdan says
Thank you so much, Jean! He was a special man who will be missed. I was so lucky to have him as my Dad! 🙂
Tony & Theresa Valento says
To Suzette and the rest of John “Jack” Kramer’s family, our heartfelt condolences. We did not know Mr. Kramer, but we’re blessed to be good friends with his daughter, Suzette, and her husband, Mark. While we did not know Mr. Kramer, we feel we got to know him a bit from a beautifully written obituary. We pray the memories of a life well-spent will carry you through these difficult days. With love, Tony & Theresa Valento
Toni (Weibel) Mills says
Mary and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of Jack. We have fond memories of being neighbors and babysitting the girls many years ago. Our condolences to the family.
The Floyd and Marcy family.
Jane O’Connell says
Our sympathies go out to Charlotte and all of her family. May all the memories of your dad live with you forever in your hearts! He will be missed. Love and hugs to all of you. Jane and Jim O’Connell
Verlyce French says
Sympathy to Mary and the family,
You may not remember me, but when the retaining wall was built, the rocks came from our place.
Keep all the memories in your heart.
Joyce Ahles says
Tim and I were planning on being there today, but not feeling up to travel. We both have some outpatient surgeries in the near future. We are sending prayers for all of Jack’s family. Would have loved to see all of you. Jack and I were especially close during our time at Tech High.
Love, Joyce and Tim Ahles
Brian Knudsen says
My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Kramer, Jill and the rest of the Kramer family. I always enjoyed speaking with Mr. Kramer and admired his ability to fix just about anything.
My your fond memories of him provide you with comfort during this time.
Brian Knudsen
Jill Berdan says
Hi Brian! Thank you so much for reaching out! I agree, Dad was remarkable with his ability to fix and build things! He will be missed but we are definitely thankful for the life we shared with him!
Hope all is well with you and your family!
Jill