Verlyn Lee Kramer

Verlyn Lee Kramer, the son of Albert and Vena (Hopfe) Kramer, was born on November 15, 1929 on a farm south of Everly. He received his early education at Riverton #3 country school and attended Everly High School prior to transferring and graduating from Spencer High School in 1950. While in school, he enjoyed FFA and basketball. Following high school, Verlyn farmed with his dad until entering the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on November 7, 1952 and returned home to help on the family farm. Verlyn then worked for Midwest Crib and Silo, constructing silos throughout the Midwest before transitioning to Spencer Foods for 23 years until its closing. He helped many farmers with livestock and crops throughout the years and retired from National Spencer in 2000.

 Verlyn enjoyed roller skating and on a Friday night in the fall of 1953, he met Florence Rasmussen of Spirit Lake at the Spencer skating rink. They married on November 7, 1954, in Spencer where they made their home until moving to Fostoria in 1956.

 An avid outdoorsman, Verlyn spent many hours fishing, hunting, trapping and tending to his large garden. He enjoyed sharing these activities with his children and teaching them the necessary skills to be successful. Verlyn and Florence enjoyed camping and took many trips to the Mississippi river, Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and South Dakota.

 Verlyn enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s activities and was a member of the Fostoria United Methodist Church.

 Verlyn passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, surrounded by his family at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Vena Kramer; three brothers: Larry Kramer, Gary Kramer and infant, Lyle; three sisters: Lila Pooler, Betty Menke and Glenda Peterson; two great grandsons: Jevin and Jaxson; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Jack Shields, Charles Pooler and Shirley Kramer and a niece, Sherry (Menke) Nelson.

 Verlyn is survived by his wife, Florence, of 69 years of Fostoria, IA; sons: Randy (Jackie) of Spirit Lake, IA, Danny (Pam) of Harris, IA, Scott (Cindy) of Arnolds Park, IA, Kelly (Cathy) of Brandon, SD; daughter, Shelley Rouse (Kevin) of Ruthven, IA; grandchildren Mallory Renteria, Josh (Trish) Kramer, Miranda (Eric) Shannon, Megan Rouse, Tyler (Kayla) Kramer, Morgan Kramer, Amanda Kramer, Lauren Kramer; great grandchildren: Ariana and Olivia Renteria, Julynn (Ty) Hessbeck, Jasmine (Scott) Kramer, Jaiden (Corbin) Kramer, Killian Kramer, Sean, Brayden and Laura Shannon; one great grandchild due in December; great-great grandchildren: Bodhi and Oliver; brother, Terry (Judy) Kramer; sister-in-law, Vicki Kramer; brother-in-law, Don Peterson; many nieces, nephews and friends.