Michael W Kramer

He was born on August 9, 1948 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Robert and Frances (Beck) Kramer. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served multiple tours in Vietnam receiving several honors including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, the RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame, and both the Rifle Expert Badge and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge. After returning home from Vietnam, Mike completed his degree at Rock Valley College. He then met his wife, Chris, and they were married on July 31, 1976. Mike and Chris would have celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary this summer.

Mike worked for the United States Postal Service for many years before working in the insurance and banking industry until his retirement. He then retired to his dream home on a golf course in Las Vegas near his children. Mike was an avid golfer and loved spending time with Chris on the golf course. Mike also enjoyed family time and family vacations. Some of Mike’s fondest memories were the numerous family camping and road trips the family took, particularly those trips to his favorite destination, Emerald Isle, North Carolina. Mike also adored being a Papa to his grandchildren, Cooper, Charli, & Maverick Gunderson and Elinor & Julia Spring. Mike’s fun-loving sense of humor and quick wit were enjoyed by all, particularly his grandchildren. He convinced his grandchildren he was made of steel; we truly wish that were to be true and he were still here with us.

Mike is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Christine (Roe); son, Joshua Kramer of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter, Molly (William) Spring of St. Charles, Illinois; daughter, Jamie (Mark) Gunderson of Las Vegas, Nevada; and siblings, James (Robin) Kramer of St. Joseph, Michigan and Daniel (Maureen Laughlin) Kramer of Loves Park, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Elmer Kramer and Frances Virginia Beck, and his sister, Patricia Kramer.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Autism Speaks in Mike’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Kramer family.