Joseph Kramer Jr

VISITATION:

4 - 7 p.m., Monday, September 14 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel and from 12 - 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3335 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire

SERVICE:

1 p.m., Tuesday, September 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3335 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire

Joseph E. Kramer Jr., 87, of Chippewa Falls, village of Lake Hallie, died Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family and while under the care and support of St. Joseph's Hospice.

Joe was born May 26, 1928 in Eau Claire to Lucille (LaRock) and Joseph E. Kramer Sr.

Following high school, Joe served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during WWII from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946. After the military, Joe went to work for Gillette Tire Company (Uniroyal), where he worked for 36 years, retiring in 1982.

On August 27, 1949, he married Nadine Lanphere at her parent's home in Eau Claire. Together they raised four daughters. They enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and camping in northern Wisconsin. Nadine preceded him in death on March 12, 2010.

Joe married Barbara C. Smith on June 2, 2012. They enjoyed going out to eat and meeting new people, and watching old westerns and WWII films together.

He enjoyed meeting friends for breakfast at McDonald's, where he loved telling jokes and stories. He will be forever remembered for his great story telling.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara C. Kramer of Hallie; daughters, Vicki (Robert) Chelf Lawrence of Roschester, MN, Debbie Kramer of River Falls, Dawn (Eddie) Nelson of Seattle, WA, Cheryl (Kevin) Noel of Bonney Lake, WA; a sister, Sandra (Jeff) Miller of Hudson; sister-in-law, Agnes Kramer of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Shannon (Brian) Ackerman of Cape May, NJ, John Strouf of Eau Claire, Brian Strouf of Chippewa Falls. Paul Strouf of River Falls, Nick (Stacie) Nelson of Lynnwood, WA, Jake Nelson of Seattle, Adam Noel of Orting, WA, Taylor (Beth) Noel of Spokane, WA, Alyssa (Brian) Blakeley of Boise, ID, Whitney (Jeremy) Mitchell of Santa Clara, CA; 19 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, Troy and Torrie Peterson, Rita Fischer, Robert Jr., Tony and Jerry Kramer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nadine; and a brother, Robert Kramer.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, 3335 Stein Blvd., Eau Claire. Following the service, interment with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council will be held at Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.

AFTERSERVICE:

A funeral service for Joseph E. Kramer Jr., 87, of Chippewa Falls, village of Lake Hallie, was held on Tuesday, September 15 at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Eau Claire. President Douglas Hoffer officiated and music was provided by grandsons, Paul and Brian Noel. During the service, several family members and friends shared personal reflections.

Interment was at Prairie View Cemetery, village of Lake Hallie with military honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council and Simon Arneberg bugled Taps. Son-in-law, Kevin Noel dedicated the grave and those serving as casket bearers were grandsons, Paul, Brian and John Strouf, Adam and Taylor Noel, and Jacob Nyseth.