William Franklin 'Bill' Kramer

WILLIAM FRANKLIN "BILL" KRAMER

Elkader

William Franklin "Bill" Kramer, 77, of Elkader, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, following a long battle with SCA (spinal cerebrum atrophy) at the Elkader Care Center, surrounded by his family. The family made the decision to donate his body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program.

Bill was born May 15, 1941, to Alfred and Charlotte (Dohrer) Kramer, in Elkader. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader. He attended Elkader Central Schools, graduating with the Class of 1959. After graduation, he worked for Commercial Wire Products in Rockford, Ill. In 1963, he was instrumental in establishing another plant location in Elkader, called Elkader Wire Display Co., where he became the Plant Foreman.

In 1964, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard, serving six years, and was honorably discharge in 1970.

He was united in marriage to Sandy Burgett on Feb. 17, 1968, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Sandy of Elkader; his three children, Kimberly (Mark) Welter of Central City, Steven (Melonie) Kramer of Marion, and Jason (Greta) Kramer of Dover, Minn.; four grandchildren, Ashley, Zach (Haliey), Shelby and Jaxon; brothers, Gerald (Sandy) Kramer of Elkader, Jim (Mary) Kramer of Fennimore, Wis.; and sister, Judith (Al) Enyart of West Union; brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald (Jacque) Schenke, Darrell (Nancy) Burgett; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Bill in death was his parents; grandparents; sister, Mary Jane in infancy; aunts; uncles and parents-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice or the organization of your choice.

A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for their kind and Compassionate Care, the Elkader Care Center Staff for meeting the everyday challenges and great care in caring for Bill.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Peace United Church of Christ with Pastor Jon Haack officiating. Family will greet friends at the church one before the service. Please dress casual, as Bill would wish.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.