Robert Kramer

A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake. Memorial contributions may be designated to the American Cancer Society and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 501112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Robert’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Robert John Kramer was one of twelve children born to Bernard and Marie (Ocken) Kramer on May 7, 1935, and was raised on the Kramer family farm near Pocahontas, Iowa. There, he learned the values that would define his life: hard work, honesty, and helping others.

Robert graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Pocahontas in 1953. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany with the Transportation Corps. He received his honorable discharge in 1958.

On October 14, 1961, Robert married Mariam L. Thilges in West Bend, Iowa. Together, they raised their son, Larry.

Robert worked for several years with Iowa Finance in Fort Dodge before managing S&M Finance in Emmetsburg and Storm Lake from 1968 to 1974. Later that year, he joined Melander’s TV & Appliance in Alta as Credit Manager and Vice President, where he remained until his retirement in 2002.

Robert had a love for fixing things and was a natural tinkerer. The skills he learned on the family farm stayed with him throughout his life. He was also a storyteller, full of experiences from his years in finance–many of which he enjoyed sharing (often more than once) with friends and family. Work was never just about a paycheck for Robert–it was about purpose. Even after retiring, he stayed active, working as a collection agent and driving for local car dealerships.

Above all, Robert was devoted to his family–his beloved wife of 63 years, Mariam; their son Larry; three grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He found joy in simple pleasures: trips to the casino, a good conversation, helping others, sharing a beer or a cigarette, and a game of cards.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mariam; his parents, Bernard and Marie; his sister Ruth Reis; and brothers Vernis, Loren, Eugene, Leon, Bernard, Kenneth, Gerald, and Mike.

He is survived by his son, Larry (Wendy) Kramer of Grinnell, Iowa; grandchildren Ashley (Troy) Beeler of Cedar Rapids, Lindsey (Travis) Eagle of Marion, and Brian (Maggie) Kramer of Norwalk; and great-grandchildren Addy, Luke, Kendra, Jordan, and Tyson Beeler; Joey, Tommy, and Mikey Eagle; and Camden and Owen Kramer. He is also survived by his brother John (Sandy) Kramer of Pocahontas and sister Linda (Dick) Wirges of Omaha, Nebraska.