Gordie Kramer of Watkins died on Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at Hennepin County Medical Center from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was 40 years old. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins followed by interment in the parish cemetery. Rev. John Brunner officiated. Gordie Kramer was born on April 3, 1962, in New Prague to Roger and Karen (VonBank) Kramer. He married Lynn Rubis on Feb. 28, 1981, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Watkins. During high school, Gordie began working with Mies Electric of Watkins where he worked for about seven years. He then worked for Augusta Electric for a couple of years and J.T. Electric in Albany for about ten years. In 1996, Gordie and his brothers Flavian and Ron formed Kramer Electric of Watkins. Gordie was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and served on the maintenance committee. He was a 20-year member of the Watkins Fire Department and currently was the assistant chief. He was also a member of the Watkins Sportsmen’s Club, Shorty and Lia’s softball team, the Watkins Chamber of Commerce, the softball park board, and he was a former member of Ted’s broomball team. Gordie enjoyed the outdoors and playing cards. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Gordie was preceded in death by his grandparents. He is survived by his wife Lynn of Watkins; children: Roger of Eveleth, and John, Jeremiah, Heath and Kendria, all at home; parents Roger and Karen Kramer of Watkins; brothers and sisters: Walter (and Deb) Kramer of Watkins, Flav (and Kathy) Kramer of Watkins, Melvin Kramer of Watkins, Marty Kramer of Watkins, Audrey (and Doug) Schneider of St. Michael, Norb Kramer of Watkins, Shirley (and Todd) Groskreutz of Chaska, Ron (and Greta) Kramer of Watkins, Cora Kramer of Plymouth, Mary (and Tim) Geislinger of Watkins, and Ellen Kramer of St. Cloud; many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Casket bearers were Gordie’s six brothers. Arrangements were by Ertl Funeral Home in Watkins.
