Richard Kramer

Richard Arlen Kramer was born December 12, 1930, the second son of John Frederick and Minnie (Heldt) Kramer. He graduated from the Everly schools and was a lifelong resident of the Everly community. He was a man of many talents and abilities. Farming was his first love and occupation except for 14 years as a retail hardware and appliance dealer at Kramer's Hardware Store in Everly. When he began that occupation, he was the youngest owner/dealer in the Iowa Independent Retail Hardware Association at that time. He was an active member of the Everly Commercial Club and helped chair the steering committee of Everly's 75th Jubilee. His voice became familiar as a commentator at Everly's school athletic events. In 1974, Richard began 16-years service on the Clay County Board of Supervisors. That included several terms as chairman of the board, serving on local interest committees, and also on the Third Judicial District committee. During his first years on the board, the new Clay County Administration building was built and the first major renovation of the courthouse was accomplished. He accomplished much in his life. He was known to be able to fix anything. If he didn't know how, he read a book to learn how. His childhood 'whizzer bike' was put together by himself. He loved flying and had a pilot's license. To make his hardware ads more interesting, he authored a short column - first, 'Bolts & Nuts' and later, 'Kramer's Corner'. To improve his speaking skills he joined Toastmasters. His ambition was to build a house entirely by himself. He did so. When his farm needed a waterway graded, he bought a second-hand grader and dirt mover and did it himself. It was approved by the conservation board and lasted 28 years. He read books - political, history and Louis L'Amour. He read The Bible cover to cover eleven times. For all he accomplished, coming to know the Lord Jesus was the most important to him. That did not happen until he was 20 years old with baptism and confirmation at Hope Lutheran in Everly. He and family members spent many hours in the construction of a new church building for Hope. Later, membership at Bethany Lutheran presented more opportunities for service. He was a member of its council, the committee overseeing the renovation of Bethany's building, and served as a trainer of the first Stephen Ministry group. It all culminated in the high point of his church life - teaming with his wife in lay preaching throughout Northwest Iowa. He married LaVonne Joyce Steuben on March 2, 1952. He remembered their wedding anniversary every year with a rose to match the number of years. There are 56 white roses in the arrangements in remembrance of his love. His children are Denise Kramer Tolzmann and husband Gary, Spencer, Scott and wife Diane, Austin TX, and Steven and wife Judy, Hudson IA. Richard delighted in attending all their school activities, whether musicals or athletic events. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Frederick Jr., and his beloved cousins Maurice and Mickey Kramer. His survivors include his wife, children, and much loved grandchildren - Elizabeth and Richard Halle III, John Steven and Jacie Kramer, Emily and Kenan Bubela, and Sheena and Chad Pech. Also, step-grandchildren Deanna Tolzmann, Aaron Tolzmann, and Crystal and Brian Chase. Richard's first great-grandchild is to be born in September. Dear to his heart are Jolynn Kramer Gardner and husband Chris and their children Kramer and Allie. Also surviving are his brother Jerry and Kathy Kramer, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

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INTERMENT