George Kramer

George W. Kramer, age 87 of Melrose, died Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Albany Area Hospital in Albany, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 21 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

George William Kramer was born June 18, 1925 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to John and Bernadine (Ahrens) Kramer. On June 2, 1953 he married Loretta Schneider at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove. The couple farmed west of Melrose. George retired in 1987 and continued helping his son on the family farm.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose and the Knights of Columbus Council #1633. He enjoyed playing cards, listening to music, dancing, and traveling.

Survivors include his children, Patricia (Tim) Flanigan of New York Mills, Joan (Wayne) Stich of Albany, Mark Kramer of Rosemount, Donna (Dave) Goebel of St. Rosa, Ruth Kramer of St. Cloud, Kathy (John) Wirtz of Detroit Lakes, Robert (Edna) Kramer of Melrose and Dan (Lesa) Kramer of Sartell; daughter-in-law, Kathy Kramer of Albany; 26 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

George was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loretta Kramer on Sept. 18, 1978; sons, William and Joe Kramer; and sisters, Irene Kramer and Marie Marthaler.

Serving as casket bearers will be Todd Stich, Derek Kramer, Drew Kramer, Collin Kramer, Kurt Goebel and Brandon Kramer. Cross bearer will be Karen Toenies and scripture bearer will be Tyler Wirtz.