Obit: Kramer, Howard (1921 – 2005)

Contact: Linda Mertens
Email: mertens@wiclarkcountyhistory.org


Surnames: Kramer, Hunsicker, Krueger, Haack, Aiken, Cash, Kaulum, Fish, Monte, Mediger


---Source – Helen Johnson’s Scrapbook


Howard Kramer (3 Apr 1921 – 22 Feb 2005)

Howard Kramer, 83, Abbotsford, died Tuesday Feb. 22 in the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield with his wife and family at his side.

Visitation with the family was at 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Sat, Feb 26, 2005, with a service of celebration for Howard’s life at 11:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Abbotsford with the Reverend Dr. Paul Hunsicker, Christ Lutheran Church, Abbotsford, and the Reverend Mark Krueger of Christ Lutheran Church, Marshfield, officiating. Internment of his ashes will take place in the spring in the Abbotsford Cemetery.

Howard was born in the town of Holton on April 3, 1921, to Anton and Minnie Kramer. He attended country schools and in his earlier years worked on a barn building crew. He met his beloved wife, Vivian Haack, of 61 years at a country-dance. They were married on June 10, 1943, in Brownwood, Texas, where he was stationed. Howard proudly served his country as an Army corporal in England during World War II from 1942 to 1945.

Following his service for our country, Howard purchased and managed the Abbotsford Coffee Shop and Bus Depot. In 1956, Howard was employed by Clayton Aiken at the local IGA grocery. The owner believed in Howard’s business ability, and in 1960, Howard purchased the IGA. With his wife, Vivian, at his side and much hard work and long hours, they grew a successful business marked by integrity and a desire to serve their customers. Howard’s son, Dennis, joined him as a partner in 1970. Together the business grew and in 1982, after fire ravaged the store, they built a supermarket tripling the size of the business and adding many new customer services. Howard was a popular figure in the store and after retirement could be found helping out and chatting with the many customers who loved his humor. The supermarket remains today owned by his son, a legacy to Howard.

Howard, along with other businessmen saw a need for a community bank and together chartered the Abbotsford State Bank. He served as Vice President and Director until his retirement in 1994. Howard was active in his community and his church. He served as treasurer of Christ Lutheran Church for 26 years. In 2004, Howard was honored as an Outstanding Citizen of Abbotsford.

Howard’s family was his focal point and he enjoyed camping and other activities with his children and grandchildren. Howard enjoyed cards and taught all of his family to play Pinochle. An evening spent with Howard was not complete without a card game. He was also fond of sports as a spectator.

Howard is survived by his devoted wife, Vivian; and children, Dennis (Beverly) Kramer, Abbotsford, Cyndi (Cash) Kramer-Kaulum of Marshfield. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Elizabeth Kramer-Kaulum, Marshfield, Erin (Dan) Fish Frisco, TX, Nathan Kramer, Portland, Ore., and Joanna (Monte) Mediger, Salem, Ore. He is further survived by brothers, Roger (Judy) Kramer, Sparta, and Arvin (Gladys) Kramer of Abbotsford.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Darold of Waupaca, and Edward of Abbotsford.