Obituary: James L. Kramer

Jim Kramer at his home in Jacksonport. Photo by Len Villano.

James L. Kramer, 99, of Sturgeon Bay, died Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay.

He was born November 14, 1920 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of the late Walter and Edith (Rohr) Kramer. Jim graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1942 to 1947. On October 31, 1942 he married Joyce Irene May Kugler at St. Joseph Catholic Church. For his working career, Jim started as a carpenter at Palmer Johnson Yachts and then was a loft foreman building many aluminum boats and once PJ’s started building larger boats, he became the service department manager making many yacht owner friends. Jim also was proud of his tree farm near West Jacksonport.

     Jim enjoyed making fine furniture, repairing antique furniture and was an avid deer hunter.

     Survivors include his two sons and families, Richard (Jeannie) of Green Bay, Jeffrey (Joyce) of Sturgeon Bay; two grandchildren, Jennie (West) Todd, Jon (Molly) Kramer; five great-grandchildren, Kaylynn, Adron and Kaden Todd; Owen and Charlotte Kramer; nieces and nephews. His beloved dog Pepper will miss him too.

     Preceding him in death were his parents, Walter and Edith Kramer; wife, Joyce; three sisters, Gwen (Bob) Bushman, Helen (Dennis) Knipfer, Mary Stange; and sister-in-law, Doris (Earl) Arbter.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Institute with Fr. Ron Colombo officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.

     Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9 until 10:45 am. Military honors will follow at the church.

     “The family wishes to thank all of the staff at St. Vincent Hospital, 9th floor, for their wonderful care of Jim this past week. Also, a special thank you to Dennis Bley and Paul Knipfer for all the help they gave to Jim over the years.”

     Memorials may be made in his memory for “Lucky 7 Dog Rescue”, 237 N. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54302, or lucky7dogrescue.com; and S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

    Huehns Funeral Home, in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Jim may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

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