The Rev. Robert L. Kramer, 77 of Reidland, Ky. was called home by his Lord, Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 6:35 p.m. at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky.
He was born on a ranch in Wages, Colorado, the third child of the late Edward and Mabel Kramer. He was ordained as a minister of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, August 1972. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Carbondale, IL. He served as an elder for many years.
Rev. Kramer was a prison chaplain in Illinois for Districts Church for over 20 years until he became disabled and retired. He served as Pastor to congregations in Golconda and Naperville, IL. and as vacancy pastor for several congregations. He earned: a Bachelor degree in Sociology from Illinois College, Jacksonville, IL. Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, IL, Master of Science in Social and Criminal Justice from Lewis University, Romeoville, IL, and a Juris Doctor degree from Northern Illinois University, College of Law, Dekalb, IL.
Although disabled with chronic back pain, diabetes and kidney disease for many years he never wavered in his faith. “The Lord is in control and He never gives us more than we can handle” was often his comment. His quiet manner and dry sense of humor are remembered by those who loved and appreciated him.
Bob is survived by his wife Claudia (Daymon) Kramer, four daughters: Connie Kramer, Golconda, IL. Meloney (Delton) Rhea, Ledbetter, Ky., Karla (Jim) Suits, and Kathy (Jerry) Suits, Golconda, IL. Three step children Linda (George) Hanks, Harrisburg, Il., Jim Lane Waterloo, Il., Brad (Debbie) Lane, St. Louis, Mo., eleven grandchildren, four step grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister Maxine Pierce, Greeley, Co. and many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill Kramer, sister Thelma Beierle and daughter-in-law, Helen Lane.
His body was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 09, 2012 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 700 University Ave. Carbondale, Il with Rev. Robert Gray officiating. Memorials may be made to the Prison Ministry, Human Care Services, Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, 1333 South Kirkwood Rd., P.O. Box 229007, St. Louis, Mo. 63122 or the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, Va. 22311.
Hughes Funeral home of Paducah is in charge of local arrangements.
Condolences may be sent online at www.hughesfuneral.com.
