Joe Kramer, 79, of rural Brewster, KS, was born February 21,1941 in
Ozawkie, KS to William Anthony and Ellen Marguerite (Clare) Kramer. He
passed away November 10, 2020 at St. Francis hospital in Topeka from
complications due to COVID-19.
Joe attended Ozawkie elementary school and Oskaloosa High School
graduating in 1959. He then attended Kansas State University where he
was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and served as president.
Fraternity brother, John Scott, introduced Joe to his sister, Charlene
and they began dating. Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Statistics May 1964.
Joe and Charlene Ann Scott were married June 6, 1964 at the Federated
Church in McDonald KS. After attending summer school at K-State, they
moved to the Scott Ranch south of McDonald to begin farming with B.H.
and John Scott. Joe and John were partners in cattle and crop production
for 42 years.
Joe and Charlene had a son, Dennis Patrick, born May 30, 1967 and a daughter, Diane Christine, born September 15, 1968.
Joe became a member of the Masonic Lodge in Meridan, KS in 1962. He was
active in the McDonald Lodge and served as a Master twice. He was
recognized as a 50-year member in January 2012. Joe and Charlene were
both honored as 50 Year members of Order of the Eastern Star in 2017.
Joe enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for Farmers Bank &
Trust of Atwood and Brewster from January 1995 until his death.
Joe and Charlene traveled to Israel, Canada and Mexico, as well as
various trips in the U.S. He particularly enjoyed multiple fishing and
hunting trips to Canada, Texas and Oklahoma throughout his life, with
his friends and family, beginning with his dad and ending with his
grandkids.
Joe grew up on a farm near Ozawkie and enjoyed farming and the country
his entire life. Joe had many interests and talents. He particularly
enjoyed following his children and grandchildren’s sports activities and
other events.
Preceded in death by parents W.A. and Ellen; brother-in-law John Scott; nephew Travis Scott and brother-in-law Leon Brunton.
Survived by his wife of 56 years Charlene; son Dennis and Elda Kramer;
daughter Diane and Ryan Shay; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild,
Riley and Kelsey Shay and daughter Raine, Kaileyanne Shay, Reid Shay,
Rayden Shay, Rhett Shay, Ronan Shay, Ryder Shay and Ellie Shay, Katia
Kramer, Valeria Kramer and Danny Kramer; sister Nancy Brunton, of
Ozawkie; brother William and Susan Kramer, of Oskaloosa and many nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends.
A closed casket visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. Tuesday,
November 17, 2020, at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Masks are required. A
private family graveside service will take place at Fairview Cemetery,
Atwood. Memorials are suggested to the R. Joe Kramer Memorial Fund and
can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Atwood, KS 67701.
For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com