Donovan Kramer

DONOVAN DALE KRAMER

Buffalo, Minn.

Donovan Dale Kramer, age 90, of Buffalo, Minn., passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018. He was born to Ozzy and Pearl Kramer on Aug. 11, 1927. The family lived on a farm in Linn County, Iowa. Donovan graduated from Troy Mills High School in Troy Mills, Iowa, in May 1944. After graduation, he worked as a carpenter until his induction into the U.S. Army on Sept. 12, 1945, at Fort Snelling, Minn. In September 1946, he shipped out to China. He served with the AAG (American Advisory Group) until he was discharged.

Upon return to Iowa, Donovan married Merna Lee Hemphill on Dec. 26, 1948. The couple have four children, Donovan Lee, Susan, Brian and Brenda.

Donovan attended Iowa State College from fall 1949 to June 1954. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in architecture. Donovan joined Durrant and Bergquist Architects in Dubuque, Iowa, after graduation. He remained with that firm for 40 years, first in Dubuque, Iowa, and then in Watertown, Wis.

Donovan and Merna helped plant churches in Dubuque, Iowa, Oconomowoc, Wis., and Vilnius, Lithuania. The couple retired in Buffalo, Minn., in 2002 to be near family.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan; sister, Leona; and two brothers, Ivan and Merle.

He is survived by his wife, Merna Kramer; children, Donovan Lee (Kathe) Kramer, Brian (Beth) Kramer and Brenda (Dave) Moses; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Paul Kramer.

Burial is Monday, April 9, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. at Center Point Cemetery in Center Point, Iowa. Memorial service is Friday, April 13, 2018, at 3 p.m. with visitation one hour prior, at Buffalo Covenant Church, 1601 Highway 25 North, Buffalo, Minn. Per Donovan's wishes, no flowers or memorials are preferred.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo, Minn., (763) 682-1363; www.thepetersonchapel.com.