Kramer, Robert H. 'Gar'

Robert H. “Gar” Kramer, 72, of Dyersville, Iowa, died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at Oak Crest Manor, Dyersville. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Dan Knipper will officiate.

Gar was born Jan. 17, 1941, in Dyersville, Iowa, the son of Clarence “Barney” and Marie (Mescher) Kramer. He married Patricia Kreeb on May 31, 1965 in Dyersville. Together they operated and owned Pat & Gar's from 1971 to 1974 and also operated and owned Kramer's Kustom Kabinets and GDM for many years until retirement when their sons, Dan and Mike took ownership.

Gar served the city of Dyersville in many ways. He was a Dyersville Country Club board member, Dyersville Sportsman's Club board member, member of DII, served as council member from 1979 to 1988, as mayor of Dyersville from 1988 to 1998 and council member again from 2008 to 2011.

Gar enjoyed fishing and camping, politics, going to the Ritz and a cold beer. He also was a very talented joke teller. His kids and grandkids were very dear to his heart.

Gar is survived by his wife, Patty; four children, Sara (Tim) Koch of Cedar Rapids, Sally (Mike) Brant, Dan Kramer and Mike (Kerri) Kramer, all of Dyersville; eight grandchildren, Audra (Christian) Kahle, Taylor and Mitchell Brant, Brandon, Raymond and Alex Koch and Jude and Julien Kramer; two great-grandchildren, Drew and Nate Kahle; siblings, Loras Kramer of Cedar Rapids and Diane (Carl) Steinlage of West Union; mother-in-law, Marie Kreeb; and in-laws, Jack (Janet) Kreeb, Bill (Kay) Kreeb and Mike (Colleen) Kreeb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Marie Kramer; and father-in-law, Ray Kreeb.

We would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Freiburger, Dr. Scott Brock and Dr. Joseph for taking such wonderful care of Gar these last few years. Also, thanks to Enoble Manor of Dubuque for giving him their best therapy. And a special thank you to the Oak Crest Manor staff in Dyersville. The nurses, nurse's aides and Hospice were his angels on earth. With their loving care and gentle hands, it made his trip to heaven that much easier.

Online condolences may be left for the family at .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 16, 2013.