Michael Kramer

Michael J. Kramer was a man whose heart belonged to the land—and his family. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and camper. He grew up on, and eventually owned, a dairy farm in Pewamo, Michigan. He viewed family life as a Sacrament and was especially close to his grandchildren.

Michael Kramer was born on April 6, 1940 in Pewamo, Michigan to Hy and Clem Kramer. Mike grew up on the homestead where his parents worked hard as dairy farmers to support the family. The years in which Mike grew up in were idyllic for raising a family. The Depression was over and World War II would soon be coming to an end. The years ahead were happy and prosperous for most Americans. There are always chores to attend to on a farm and of course, Mike was expected to do his share. Fortunately for Mike, he loved the farm and all the work that it entailed. Even though Mike could be mischievous at times, he was still a great older brother and a mentor to many others. Mike played with his friends and attended the nearby school. In high school, he was involved in all kinds of sports, baseball being his favorite. Even though, Mike was small in stature, he was a natural athlete and excelled in anything he put his mind to. The fact that he was ambidextrous probably helped him excell at baseball. He also had the honor of coaching the women’s basketball team at Pewamo High School, while he was a still a student himself.

Mike had a dry sense of humor and a kind, helpful personality that drew people to him. One fateful day, he met a pretty young lady named Kathy, who saw the good qualities in Mike, she was sure that this was the man she was going to marry. For their first date, Mike took Kathy to a movie in Portand, Michigan, driving in his blue Ford Falcon. Mike and Kathy dated for a year and a half before Mike asked Kathy to marry him. Reaching into the glove compartment of his car, Mike took out the engagement ring that he had been carrying around with him for some time, before placing it lovingly on Kathy’s finger. The two made their love official by exchanging their vows at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler in 1963.

Armed with his Associate’s Degree from Ferris State University, Mike found employment as a manager at JC Penney’s. He then went to work for TRW for four years before coming back home to take over the Kramer Family Dairy Farm. Over the years, Michael and Kathy brought four beautiful children into the world, Michael (1964), Lori (1965), Kelly (1966), and Shannon (1969). When Mike wasn’t supporting the family, he could be found engaging in his passion of the outdoors. Mike was a true outdoorsman who loved nothing better than spending time hunting, fishing and camping. When they could, Mike and Kathy packed up the kids and headed to their cottage on Jehnsen Lake for some outdoor adventures (even sneaking his son, Michael out on secret fishing trips)! It’s the getaways to Jehnsen Lake with the kids and grandkids that were some of the best times for Mike and the whole family.

As Mike grew older and became a grandfather, his life changed for the better. He had been a good father to his four children, but he felt he hadn’t enjoyed their childhood as much as he could have. As a grandfather, Mike became a gentler, more loving person. He was an exceptional grandpa who never missed his grandchildren’s sporting events. Through his grandchildren, Mike became closer to his children.

In his spare time, Mike continued his interest in sports, following all the Michigan State University games. He had always been fascinated with Native American artifacts and had a fine collection of arrowheads. Mike was also known as Mr. Fix It. He could fix anything; however, if there was something he couldn’t fix, he would just toss it!

For four and a half years, Mike bravely battled pancreatic cancer. While he was not afraid to die, he did not want to leave the family he loved so much. Luckily, Mike was able to live long enough to see his most recent grandson, Thomas, born in March of this year.

Mike was the kind of man his family could depend on for support, as well as love and encouragement. While he didn’t always express his emotions, his children knew he loved them dearly. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed nature and lived life to the fullest. He was an exceptional grandfather who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Michael J. Kramer, age 69 of Pewamo died Sunday, May 3, 2009 after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born on April 6, 1940 to Clement and B. Hyacinth (Blackmer) Kramer, Mike was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Pewamo, the Pewamo Knights of Columbus Post #8071 and the Hubbardston American Legion Post #182. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandchildren, and all sports, especially those played by his grandchildren. Mike will be sadly missed by his wife of 45 years, Kathryn (Fox) Kramer whom he married on June 29, 1963 in Fowler at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Also surviving are his children Michael (Leah) Kramer of Pewamo, Lori (Kevin) Schulte of Pewamo, Kelly Stewart of Pewamo, Shannon (Loren) Thelen of Pewamo, 11 grandchildren; siblings, Richard Kramer, Sr. Jean Kramer, OP and Linda Kramer; sister-in-law, Terrie Kramer, many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and brother Raymond Kramer. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, May 7, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo with the Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason officiating. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Tuesday and 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM Wednesday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. A Rosary Service will be prayed at 8 PM Tuesday and 3 PM Wednesday and a Vigil Service will be held at 8 PM Wednesday. To learn more about Mike visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/47862/ where you can view his Life Story film and further participate in his memory.