Leonard Lawrence Kramer, 96, Redwood Falls
Leonard Kramer died Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Sunwood Good Samaritan Care Center. He had attained the age of 96 years, nine months and five days.
Leonard Lawrence Kramer, the son of Michael and Julia (Pistulka) Kramer, was born May 4, 1918, on the family farm in Vesta Township, Redwood County.
He grew up on the family farm and received his elementary education in the nearby country school. Leonard then attended and graduated from Redwood Falls High School.
When he was 15 years old, Leonard moved with his family to a farm in Delhi Township. Leonard ran the family farm until his retirement in 1985 and continued to be involved in the farming operation for several more years.
On Oct. 27, 1947, Leonard married Mary Jean (Keefe) at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. They spent their entire married life on the family farm in Delhi Township. Mary passed away in July 1989 and Leonard continued to live on the farm until moving to Garnette Gardens in Redwood Falls. He belonged to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher and was a member of the financial committee.
Leonard was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He also served on the FHA board and the Redwood Falls Golf Club board.
Leonard was an avid golfer, fisherman and – in his younger years – baseball player. He taught his kids to play softball and baseball almost as soon as they could walk. Leonard was a phenomenal dancer and when not dancing was providing the music. He belonged to several dance bands and orchestras – including the Clem Brau Orchestra and the Kramer Band. Leonard could play any reed instrument, but was particularly fond of the clarinet and saxophone. He also played the drums.
Leonard is survived by his children Lynne Kramer of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Gail Strandjord of Eden Prairie, Jeff (Suzy) Kramer of Blooming Prairie, and Craig Kramer of Redwood Falls; grandchildren Rachael (John) Eickhoff of Owatonna, Bryan (Jessica) Kramer of Plymouth, David (Stacy) Kramer of St. Louis Park, and Thomas Kramer of Minneapolis; great-grandchildren Krin, Noah and Evie Eickhoff, and Blakely and Kayson Kramer; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, brother Cornelius and sister Blanche Kohler.
Blessed be his memory.