Kramer, William 1870 - 1940

KRAMER, DUNCAN, PHELPS, TUCKER, DONNER, CHERRY, PILGRIM

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/6/2023 at 11:54:49

Clayton County Register, 03 April 1940.

EDGEWOOD: William Kramer, the third son of John and Barbara Kramer, was born in Galena, Ill., February 04, 1870, and died Friday morning, March 22, 1940, at the age of 70 years, one month and 18 days.

At the age of two years his parents moved to St. Sebald settlement north of Strawberry Point. There he attended German school, and was confirmed and baptized in the German church. At an early age under the supervision of his father, who was an expert butcher and sausage maker, he learned the trade and at the age of 17 years went to work at a meat market in Strawberry Point, where he remained for four years. He then came to Edgewood and worked for two years. At that time he bought the business and with the exception of two years following a fire that took all his business equipment, he had been in business here continuously until his health failed three years ago.

Eighteen months ago he was stricken with dropsy and since that time has never been well. About six weeks ago he suffered a light stroke and grew steadily weaker. Kind friends and neighbors called to do what they could to shorten the long days and nights he was confined to his home. In many instances these friends would remark to him that "the bread he cast upon the water years ago is now returning." Many said, "We once had sickness in our home and you never forgot us, and now we want to do something for you."

On March 26, 1906, in the M.E. church in Elkader, Mr. Kramer was united in marriage to Carrie Mae Duncan. Seven children were born to them, Clarence, Dale, Howard, and Parke, of Edgewood, Fred of Lead, S.D., Thomas of Bozeman, Mont., and Mrs. Kathryn Phelps of Bellflower, Calif. There are also six grandchildren. Three brothers and three sisters also survive, John, Fred and George Kramer, and Mrs. George Tucker, of Strawberry Point, Mrs. Lena Donner of Dubuque, and Mrs. John Cherry of Waterloo. One sister, Mrs. May Pilgrim, died about five months ago.

William Kramer was a member of the Brotherhood class of the Congregational Sunday school.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Congregational church, conducted by the Rev. A. H. Meyer. Burial was in the Strawberry Point cemetery.