Donald F. Kramer

Kramer, Donald Francis
Appleton

Kramer, Donald Francis, 82, of Appleton, went peacefully to be with the Lord after a lengthy illness of Parkinson’s disease on November 6, 2005. He was born August 11, 1923 in Green Bay, to Edward J. and Agnes Kramer.

Don was a graduate of Green Bay West High School, and St. Norbert’s College in DePere. Don enlisted in the army and served in the 69th infantry in Europe during WWII. He was married to Maxine A. Hardy on June 2, 1951. Don began his career as a dairy chemist for Western Condensing Co. (Foremost Dairies). He worked as a paper chemist for 26 years at Thilmany Pulp and Paper Co. where he retired in 1988. During that time, Don was issued a U.S. patent for grain doors. Also, as a chemist, he was actively involved in the drive to fluoridate Appleton’s city water.

Since its beginning, Don was an active member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Some of the areas of service to the church include communion distributor, funeral acolyte, RCIA instructor (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), usher, parish council member, finance committee member, and fund-raiser. He also worked in the Cursillo and Renew programs.

He enjoyed dance club, golfing, crossword puzzles, crypto quotes, wine making, and baking apple pies. He was a member of Toastmasters and Thilmany’s Management Club.

Don was a peaceful man, characterized by his kindness, generosity, faithfulness, a quiet, and gentle spirit, and his faith in God. He was a good husband and father, who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children.

Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maxine Anne, four children and eight grandchildren: son Mark Kramer, and daughters Teresa (Bill) Werner, Janet (Wayne) Hoffmann, and Carole (Tom) Gulbransen. Don is also survived by eight grandchildren Laurie (Daniel) Holt and Michelle Werner; David, Emily, and Margaret Hoffman; and Zachary, Hannah, and Hailey Gulbransen.

He is further survived by his brother Reginald (Jean) Kramer, and his twin sister Doris (Jim) Masse. He is preceded in death by his brother Jim (Marcy) Kramer.

Of his in-laws, he is survived by Frank (Sally) Hardy, Norbert (Marge) Hardy, Janette (Tom) Woods. He is preceded in death by Geraldine (Matt) Rossmeissl, Owen (Lyda) Hardy, Tom (Ione) Hardy, Patricia (Bob) Besaw, and Cecelia (Clay) LeMere.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, November 11, 2005, at ST. BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2331 East Lourdes Drive, Appleton, with Rev. Don Zuleger officiating. The family will receive friends at the Wichmann Funeral Home, on Thursday, November 10, from 4-7 p.m. and again at the church on Friday, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday at 7 p.m. The interment will be held at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Appleton. A memorial fund will be established in his name. The family sends special thanks to all the caregivers at Parkside Care Center, who cared for Don these last four years.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231