Dennis "Butch" Kramer

When reflecting on the life of Dennis “Butch” Kramer, mere words seem to be inadequate as he was such a colorful man whose life was as vibrant as the most majestic rainbow. He was a hard-working man who always made time to enjoy life along the way whether he was soaking in an afternoon of golf, watching a NASCAR race, or just laughing with his family and friends. Butch’s warm smile was his constant companion as was his generous heart. He was caring and understanding, which is perhaps what made him so easy to talk to and he always offered the best advice. Butch treasured the family he was so very proud of, and it will be the generations who follow him that will carry on the legacy of integrity, loyalty, and compassion that he leaves behind.

The fifties were a decade unlike any other in American history as it was during this time that our nation witnessed the verdict in Brown versus the Board of Education that declared segregation in schools to be unconstitutional. This decade also marked the time in which television became the dominant source of media in our homes and the world of music was forever changed with the sounds of rock ‘n roll. It was within this exciting time that Eldred and Bernadine (Smith) Kramer welcomed their son, Dennis, into their hearts and home. Born on June 23, 1953, Dennis, who most often went by Butch, was born in Carson City, Michigan, located in the center region of the state. Butch was the second of five children in his family and was raised in the family home in the country. His father worked at St. Johns Scrap and Metal while his mother was a homemaker. When their home tragically burned down, the Kramer family moved into the town of Fowler. Butch attended Most Holy Trinity Schools and later, Fowler High School where he was a star football and basketball player.

After graduating from high school in 1972, Butch was ready for whatever life had in store for him next. He initially went to work for General Motors, but later left to work on a farm instead. Butch spent 20 years working in the agricultural industry, but he later shifted gears when he started driving for the Clinton County Road Commission where he was highly respected by his peers. Anyone who knew Butch knew that he was the hardest worker around, seeming to accomplish 30 hours of work in a 20 hour day.

Although work was something that Butch took seriously, he was a family man through and through. He was a dedicated father who was actively involved in the lives of his children. Life turned a different corner when Butch was introduced to the woman with whom he would share an abiding love. Her name was Sandy Ward and they were introduced through some family members. They dated for a number of years during which time their hearts became intertwined. Butch and Sandy were united in marriage on May 1, 2004. He was always so proud of his family and was fiercely protective of them as well. When his family grew to include grandchildren, nothing could have thrilled Butch more as he adored each and every one of his eight grandchildren.

When he was able to steal a few moments for himself, Butch pursued a few of his interests. He enjoyed spending time outdoors as he loved to hunt, fish, and golf. However, those who knew Butch knew that he was absolutely passionate about NASCAR racing and when it came to his favorite driver, there was no one quite like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. More recently, his love for speed grew to include drag racing as one of his favorite things to watch. Butch was a member of the Fowler Conservation Club and the VFW Men’s Auxiliary as well.

There were so many things that made Butch such a remarkable man who was so dearly loved. He was caring and very understanding, a great man to get advice from as his response always depending on the individual’s needs in the situation and his words were laced with such wisdom, too. Butch loved life and he loved to laugh, never hesitating to incorporate his great sense of humor wherever he could. His family was both his greatest love and his greatest source of pride, and he stood firm for his family when needed. There was not a day that passed without Butch showing his affection for those he loved whether in simple gestures or on a grander scale at times.

There are so many things that those who knew and loved Dennis “Butch” Kramer will miss in his absence including his loving and smiling face, his genuine friendship, and his laughter that always came so freely. He took great pride in his home, but nothing came close to the pride he felt for the family he was blessed to call his own. Butch lived life to its fullest each and every day, his journey coming to an end much too soon. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Dennis L. “Butch” Kramer, died June 3, 2010. Butch’s family includes his wife, Sandy; his daughter, Jenna Kramer; sons, Troy (Beth) Kramer Brent (Shiloh) Kramer; stepdaughters, Charmaine Taylor and Jennifer (Chris Brown) Peiffer, stepsons, Thad Peiffer and Jeremie Peiffer; grandchildren, Shaun Kramer, Chase Kramer, Isaac Kramer, Thomas Peiffer, Mark Kramer, Jr., Dante Kramer, Abygayle Brown, and Carter Dennis Brown; brothers, Mark (Deb) Kramer, Ed (Deb) Kramer, and Luke Kramer; and brother- in-law, Louie (Diane) Smith; and many nieces and nephews. Butch was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ann Smith. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2010, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a rosary being prayed Sunday at 8 p.m., at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler. To learn more about Butch and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/59413, where you can share a memory or photo, sign his memory book, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of the family’s choosing.