Donald Dean "Don" Kramer

Mr. Donald Dean "Don" Kramer, 78, of McPherson, KS., passed away at 2:45 a.m., Saturday, January 30th, 2010 while in the company of family members at his home.

Donald Dean “Don” Kramer, the son of Glenn Isaac and Myrtle Mildred (Wann) Kramer, was born January 2, 1932 at Marquette, Kansas. Don was one of three children born to this union, two sons and one daughter: Don, Fredrick, and Glendora. Don attended the Marquette grade schools and graduated from Marquette High School, Marquette, Kansas in 1951. Not even a month after graduation, Don enlisted into the United States Navy on June 19, 1951 at Salina, Kansas. He served during the Korean War and obtained the rank of Navy Fireman 3rd Class IC and honorably served his country until his discharge on June 10, 1955 at Long Beach, California. Don was united in marriage and was blessed with a birth of a son, Ronald.

On November 24, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Dorothy A. Geist at Colby, Kansas. The young couple established their first home together in Hoxie, Kansas. This union was blessed with the birth of three daughters, Melanie Jo, Cynthia, and Debra. Don began working for the Ivan Holt Oil Company. This job had Don and his family on the move and over the next six years, they lived in Wilson, Ellis, and Russell until their last move to McPherson in 1962. Don and his family joined the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served his church through the years in many capacities. Don was also a member of the American Legion in Marquette, Kansas. Through the years Don began working for Groendyke Trucking and Kansas Transport before landing a job as dispatcher for Farmland Industries. Don retired after 15 years with the company. Don wasn’t the settling down type and after just a few months, Don knew he would rather be working. It wasn’t long before finding a job as a truck driver for Unruh Fab in Sedgwick. After a few years Don began working for Wear Technology of McPherson and most recently he was a driver for Wallace Chevrolet.

Don was a Christian, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His wise counsel, gentle guidance, and gracious smile will be missed by those who knew and loved him. He was very proud of his children and always wanted the best for them. Don was especially fond of his grandchildren and always looked forward to their visits and times they would share together. Don enjoyed the out-of-doors, woodworking, bowling, camping and fishing with his family and friends. Don was notorious for his stories, joking around, and orneriness.

Mr. Don Kramer, 78, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away at 2:45 a.m., Saturday, January 30th, 2010 while in the company of family members at his home. He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Melanie Jo Kramer and Cynthia Hunt; and his sister, Glendora Elvin.

Surviving family members include his loving and devoted wife of over 53 years, Dorothy Kramer of the home, McPherson, Kansas; his children, Debra Pierce and her husband Mark of Newton, Kansas and Ronald Kramer and his wife Jane of Salina, Kansas; his son-in-law, Delbert Hunt and his wife Tarina, of McPherson, Kansas; his brother, Fredrick W. Kramer and his wife Mona of Gonzales, Louisiana; 8 grandchildren, Kody Kramer, Spencer Hunt, Jason Hunt, Trevor Hunt, Sam Pierce, Ethan Hunt, Julia Pierce, and Austen Hunt; other relatives and a host of friends.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 4 to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home, McPherson, Kansas.

The funeral service will be held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, McPherson, Kansas, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3rd, with Reverend Dale Dumperth officiating. Special music “The King of Love My Shepherd Is“ will be sung by the Patron family. The congregation will sing Hymn# 264 “I Know that My Redeemer Lives” Hymn # 359 vs 1-4 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea”, “Hymn # 417 “The Lord’s My Shepherd, Leading Me” and “Hymn # 131 “Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds” and accompanied by Sheryl Dossett.

The final resting place will be at the McPherson Cemetery, McPherson, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church or Hospice Care of Kansas and They can be sent in care of the Glidden - Ediger Funeral Home; 222 West Euclid Street; McPherson, Kansas 67460.

CASKET BEARERS
Dennis Anderson John Geist Delbert Hunt
Dale Ladd Mark Pierce Jon Sjorgren

USHERS
Ron Brown Brynel Dossett
DeWayne Herrs Ron Peterman

Posted by laraine erickson on 08 February, 2010
Deb, your Dad would come out to the Transfer Station with loads from Wallace. He was always so smiley and nice. I will miss seeing him come up on the scale. We have had several of our "regulars" pass away this month and it's so sad. My thoughts are with you.

Posted by Alisa Leiker on 01 February, 2010
Aunt Dot and Debbie;
Know that Uncle Don is in great company and his shenanigans will continue in Heaven. He always had a way of bringing a smile to everyone's face even though you had to keep an eye on him. He will truly be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him and especially those of us who were lucky enough to be related to him.

Posted by Sharlene Ramsey on 31 January, 2010
Our thoughts are with you Aunt Dorothy. Uncle Don's sense of humor will always be remembered.