Kramer, Alma (Mrs. Steven) 1923-2023

KRAMER, HOGAN

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/21/2023 at 19:38:13

Alma Kramer age 99 of Lynden WA passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Stafholt Care Center in Blaine, WA. Her Memorial Service will be at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at the Third Christian Reformed Church in Lynden, WA with Pastor Orlin Hogan and Pastor Stanton Visser officiating.

Alma was born on October 23, 1923, to Syne and Molina Hogan in Sioux Center, Iowa. She was the oldest of five children. Alma graduated from Sioux Center High School and taught country school until her marriage to Steven Kramer at her parent’s home. Shortly after their marriage on October 28, 1943, Steve entered the Navy and Alma went to work in a bullet factory in Spokane, WA. After Steve was discharged from the Navy, they farmed for several years in Sioux County Iowa. They later built and managed the Holland House restaurant in Sioux Center. They moved to Lynden WA in 1974.

Alma loved music, was a self-taught musician and her children have cherished memories of singing around the piano while she played. Alma was a very good cook and seamstress. She invited many Dordt students into their home for Sunday dinners and brought food to many Sioux Center Christian School soup suppers. Steve and Alma were instrumental in helping to establish Dordt (College) University in Sioux Center, Iowa.

Steve and Alma had a love for the Cambodian immigrants in their church (Third Christian Reformed) in Lynden, hosting lessons that taught them English as well as the Bible. She was also active in leading Bible studies, providing food and serving on committees in her church.

Alma was involved in politics and spent time canvassing for Conservative candidates. In 2016, she encouraged her entire family to vote for the policies, not the person.

Left to cherish her memories and learn from her legacy are her children: Malon (1947-2019) and Joe Smits, Sally Van Zee, Peggy and Dave Eekhoff, Kathy and Jeff Miller, Jayne and Keith Bode, Heidi and Jake Jacobsen, Kristen and Garret Brouwer, and Steven and Shari Kramer; 27 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by Sisters Muriel Visser and Laura Cooper, Sister-in-law Lillian Hogan, and Brother Orlin Hogan and wife Judy.

Today she has a new home and meeting her in glory are her husband, Steven Kramer, daughter Malon Smits and grandchildren Chayce Kramer and Jera Sterk.

"SOLA GRATIA, We Are Saved By The Grace Of God Alone. Ephesians 2:1-10."

If Desired, Memorials may be made in Alma’s name to:

Dordt University Music Department at 700 7th St NE, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250, or Wycliffe Bible Translators at PO Box 628200, Orlando, Florida, or Resonate Global Mission at 1700 28th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Source: Gillies Funeral Home online obituary.