Mike Kramer was born on December 14, 1950 to Joseph & Dorothy Kramer in Grand Forks, ND. He was one of four children and was raised in Circle Pines, Minnesota After high school, Mike entered the Army and served in Vietnam. Upon returning to the States he met the love of his life, Lois, at a gospel meeting in Mora, MN. Mike made his choice to serve God during those years and remained faithful in his choice until the end. Mike and Lois were married and resided in the Twin City area, where he worked as a union carpenter until he retired at age 55.
For 17 years they lived in Bock, MN where he enjoyed gardening and outdoor activities on their small hobby farm. He explored new interests after retirement including pressing apple juice, harvesting maple syrup, growing hundreds of garlic bulbs, caring for a large raspberry patch, and beekeeping. He started woodworking, making spoons and other trinkets in MN and carried this hobby to AZ. He had time for local fishing jaunts and also took trips with the boys and friends up to the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area). These were highlights for those of that era.
Mike and Lois chose to move to Arizona in 2006 part-time and sold their house in Minnesota in 2019 to become permanent residents of Arizona. They enjoyed many years of warmth and sunshine in both states and enjoyed the privileges of friends and family too. Many trips were taken to spend special time with all of their grandchildren. The faith and fellowship he had entered into during his earlier years was his source of happiness and satisfaction wherever they went.
Mike entered into rest on December 18, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Lois, children, Chad (Anna) Kramer of Delano, MN, Kent (Jacinda) Kramer of Gilbert, AZ, Alesha (Lane) Carlson of San Diego, CA; 13 precious grandchildren: (Chad) Miles, Bria, Riggs; (Kent) Axel, Adelynn, Gavin, Gunnar, Aric, Silas, Ryker; (Alesha) Annika, Brynna, Sawyer; sister, Patricia (Lloyd) Eastlund, brother, Jerry Kramer; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Dorothy, and brother Chuck.
He will be missed by so many that felt his kindness and care to them through a hand-made gift, a smile, a joke, or a kind word. God’s work in his life was a great gift to all that knew him.
Lois, Chad,Kent and Alisha,
Our hearts are broken to hear of your great loss. Mike was just so much bigger than life and I know everywhere you look he’ll be there reminding you of how much he loved you and his Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus. May the God he loved and served now be your comfort and strength.
Many heartfelt prayers for all of you, the grandchildren who lost an incredible grandpa and all who knew and loved Mike. To know him, was to love him!!
All our love,
Rod and Renee Martin
We are so sorry for your loss. Now you keep going on the strength of the precious memories and testimony Mike left you with.
I am both saddened and blessed to call Mike and the Kramer family, “dear friends.” Many memories flood my mind as I process Mike’s homecoming. Most are around food, wood working projects but one in particular is time. Mike always made time for fellowship and for that I am grateful.