James W. Kramer

James W. Kramer, 83 of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Hawkeye Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Key West, with Rev. Rodney Allers officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with full military honors by the American Legion Post #6.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2019 at the Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, where a wake service will be held at 2:00 p.m.  Friends may also visit after 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at the funeral home.

Jim was born September 11, 1935 in Epworth, Iowa, son of Fred and Josephine (Stelken) Kramer. He received his education in the Epworth schools. He was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works for 36 years until his retirement in 1992.

Jim was an Army veteran having served from 1958-1960 in Germany with Elvis Presley.  In 2012, he had the privilege of going on the honor flight with his brothers Fred and Vince. He was a member of the Dubuque Moose Lodge #355 and was well known for his liver and onion feed for the past 30 years.  In 2014, he received The Pilgrim Degree, the highest degree of the Loyal Order of Moose. He was also a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish in Key West, Iowa.

Jim married Velma Herrig and with her, they had five children. He later married Nancy Murdock. She preceded him in death on July 27, 2017.

He is survived by five children, Steve (Jessica) of Oahu, HI, Brenda (Gary) Rolwes of Epworth, IA, Paul (Kim) Kramer and Gary (Kelly) Kramer, both of Dubuque, IA, and Carolyn (Joey) Grubbs, of Monticello, FL; a stepdaughter Kim (David) Timmerman; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, plus one on the way; sister-in-laws, Mary Lou Kramer of Epworth, IA and June (David) Marston of West Branch, MI.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Josephine (Stelken) Kramer; three sisters, Francis “Fran” (Ray) Schmitt, Mary (Orland) McDermott and Anita (James) McDermott; five brothers, Bernard (Bernice) Kramer, Herb (Irene) Kramer, Ed (Dola) Kramer, Fred A. Kramer, Vince (Connie) Kramer, and stepdaughter, Karen Murdock.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Hospice of Dubuque, and Dr. Herman for all of the wonderful care they gave to Jim and his family. Also, a special thank you to all of the health care professionals who helped take care of Jim over the years.

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