Cramer, Kathleen K. (Vacek)

Kathleen K. (Vacek) Cramer

On July 10, 2013, Kathie's life was retired with those she loved by her side, including her beloved pets, Katie Kisses and Pho.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Robert Jr. and Mitchell J.; grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

Born to Lumir and Thelma (Currie) Vacek in Oxford Junction, Iowa on Aug. 11, 1940, she lived her formative years in Savanna, Ill. Kathie graduated from Savanna Community High School and married Robert F. Cramer Sr. in 1958 and together they had five children. Moving to California in 1963, Kathie became an R.N. and worked at the Long Beach VA for 17 years. After that time she moved to Coralville in 1990 and worked for the Iowa City VA Health Care System for 16 more years, retiring in 2006.

Kathie's love was international traveling, visiting over 29 countries from 1987-2010, and numerous cruises, crossing the Atlantic, cruising up the Nile and hot air ballooning and trekking through the red desert of the outback of Australia.

Her family includes her children, Nonna (Rolf) Van Wollingen and families of Western Australia, Kelli (Dan) Garvito and family of Columbia, S.C., Dr. Matthew Cramer and family of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Veronica Cramer (Mitchell - deceased) of Phoenix, Ariz., and the families of Robert Jr. (deceased); sisters, Sharon (Allen) Beyer of Savanna, Ill., and families and Brenda James of LeClaire, Iowa and families; and her beloved pet family, Katie Kisses and Pho.

Following her wishes, no services are planned. She has gifted her body to the University of Iowa Department of Anatomy.

Memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice in appreciation for all of their care and support of both Kathie and her family.

Online condolences can be sent to her family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.

“Thy will be done …”

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Kathie's arrangements.

Published July 13, 2013 in The Gazette