William (Bill) Kramer   --  1997

    Bill was born to Frank Kramer, Sr., and Fredaricka Adolf Kramer on the 28th of October, 1904, at Yale.  Bill died on Thursday, July 3, at Burlington.
      Bill was sick at his birth so his Grandma Adolf baptized him that same day.  This baptism was later affirmed by Pastor Ackerman.  He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member.  Bill and Theresia Kramer were married in Mosca on Feb. 26, 1928.  They made their home north of Bethune where the lived for 66 years.  Finally, health concerns forced them to move to Bethune in 1994.
     Three children were born to this union: Norman Kramer of Bethune, Irene Hilt of Golden and Doris B. of Grand Junction.
     Bill was involved in farming and ranching all of his life.  He was a leader in settlement 4-H club for many years.  He was also involved with Immanuel Lutheran Church and put in many long hours doing manual labor there.  On two occasions he scaled the church steeple and the cross in order to paint them.  He also served as vice president on the church council and was a delegate to the convention several times.
      Bill was an active member of the R.S.V.P. He worked on many projects.  Bill was a loyal member of the Farm Bureau and was a delegate from this county at the state convention.
      In his later years he walked with crutches, then a walker, and finally a wheelchair because he lost the strength in his arms and legs.  
     Left to mourn are his wife Theresia; Norman, Irene, Doris; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.  He was proceeded in death by his parents and all his brothers and sisters.
     Funeral services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Monday, July 7, at 10:30 am. Burial was in the church cemetery.  Reverend Dianne Dietz and Lector Ivan Amman officiated.
     Musical selections included "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace," and "What A Friend We Have in Jesus." Carla Foth was the organist.
    Casket bearers were Terry Hilt, Scott Hilt, Kelly Hilt, Carl Jenkins, Gerald Whipple, Tony Mills.
      Honorary escorts were all of Bill's many loving family, friends and neighbors.
       Memorials may be made to Compassion International and left at The Bank of Burlington.