Gerald R. Kramer
Gerald Raymond Kramer, 85, long-time resident of Elkader, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, surrounded by his loving family.
Gerry was born in Elkader on Feb. 28, 1939, to his parents Alfred and Charlotte (Dohrer). He often enjoyed sharing stories about his childhood adventures with his brothers and sister, as well as friends and cousins.
Gerry and Sandy (Lemka), the love of his life, knew each other from a young age. One of their first meetings was him falling from the rafters of her family’s barn, injuring his head, when they were just 8 and 6 years old. They began dating in high school and were married on Sept. 19, 1959, at the Congregational Church in Elkader.
Gerry graduated from Elkader High School in Elkader in 1957, and joined the United States Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy (1959), Gerry worked several jobs in and around Elkader before joining the U.S. Postal Service, eventually becoming postmaster in 1974, a position he held until his first retirement. A special part of his time as postmaster was personally responding as “Santa” to letters delivered to the North Pole mailbox at the post office. He then enjoyed working at the Elkader Golf & Country Club and Deer Run campground until his second retirement in 2006.
A longtime member of Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader, Gerry also contributed to the community through many civic endeavors. He actively participated in the Elkader JayCees, Lions Club, original founding of the Elkader EMT service, original founding of Elkader Sweet Corn Days and the original board for the Elkader Golf and Country Club. He also served as a member of the Elkader City Council and was a member of the Elkader Masonic Lodge. His favorite activities included time with family and grandchildren, golfing and fishing.
Gerry is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sandra (Lemka); sons Jeff (Katie), Mike (Jolene) and Tim (Angelique); grandchildren Kenzie (Morgan) Shadrick, Chandler (Becca), Branden (Paige Johnson) Hoth, Jamie Hoth, Kate, Caroline, Megan (Koby) Wesselink, Rachel (engaged to Ken Granell), Caleb, Kenna, Mya Hummel and Noah Hummel; great-grandchildren Parker Shadrick, Audi Hoth, Finley Hoth, Piper McCaw, Judah Wesselink and Grayson; sister Judy (Al) Enyart; brother-in-law Ken Lemka; sisters-in-law Sandy (Bill) Kramer and Mary (Jim) Kramer; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, great-great nephews, great-great nieces and cousins.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Charlotte; brothers Bill and Jim; sister Mary Jane; brothers/sisters-in-law Martin and Bonnie Schwietert and Bill and Alyce Brombacher; sister-in-law Kay (Ken) Lemka; and nephews Keith Lemka and Scott Brombacher.
A celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, March 1, at Peace United Church in Elkader. There will be a visitation prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with a memorial service starting at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a meal at the church. The service will be live-streamed. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of plants or flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to the memorial fund at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader, or Camp Courageous.
