Elmer Kramer, formerly of Watkins, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at his new home in Waite Park with his family at his side. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 22, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins with Rev. John Brunner officiating. Interment followed in the parish cemetery. Elmer Michael Kramer was born April 17, 1932, in Watkins to Joseph “Toby” and Caroline (Brutger) Kramer. He joined the Army in 1949 and served in El Paso, Texas. He married Catherine “Katie” Hennen of Paynesville Jan. 16, 1954; they had the privilege of celebrating 50 years of marriage this year. Elmer was a long-time member of the Watkins American Legion Post 453. He enjoyed spending time with Katie and his family at their daughter’s cabin near Deerwood. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, brother LeRoy Kramer and sister Lucille Hochstedler. He is survived by his wife Katie; his nine children: Michael Kramer of Los Angeles, Calif.; Janice (and Alvin) Stommes of Eden Valley; Tony Kramer of Chicago, Ill.; Nancy (and Paul) Eull of Byron; Sue (and Pete) Rowland of Bloomington; Donna (and Jeff) Rundall of Hartford, S.D.; Mary (and Eddie) Arechiga of Bad Durkheim, Germany; Joe (and Mary) Kramer of Watkins; and Jason (and Penny) Kramer of Luxemburg; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild and another on the way; brothers Donald Kramer of Watkins, and Marvin Kramer of San Francisco, Calif.; sisters Deloris (and Don) Saice of Mesa, Ariz., and Luella (and Eddie) Joseph of Minneapolis; numerous nieces and nephews. Casket bearers were Danny Joseph, Randy Kramer, Doug Scheierl, Alan Brixius, David Schreifels and Joe Hennen. Kathy Pauls provided the music. Arrangements were by Ertl Funeral Home of Watkins.
