Richard Kramer

Richard “Dick” J. Kramer, age 75, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, July 8, 2021 at the Sharon Richardson Community Hospice. He was born on October 9, 1945 in Sheboygan, son of the late Arvin and Maryrose (Reichert) Kramer. He attended Bethlehem Lutheran School, South High School, and then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp., serving his country proudly during the Vietnam war. He married Diane (Udovich) Kramer on November 10, 1973.

Dick was employed for 20 years in the maintenance department at Citizens Bank of Sheboygan. He also worked as the head custodian at Holy Name School and Parish for 10 years. He loved his job working with the kids and watching them grow year after vear. Following his time at Holy Name School, he worked at the Sheboygan Glass Co. as a glass glazer. He finished his career with the Sheboygan Area School District and retired in 2012.

He was looking forward to retirement and hoped to enjoy every day to the fullest. He loved sports and enjoyed watching Packer football games and Badger basketball games. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed being in nature. He enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Connecticut and Rhode Island to spend quality time with his youngest grandson, Connor, who loved spending time with his Papa.

After 10 months of retirement, Dick battled many health issues. His devoted wife, Diane, became his caregiver for the next 9 years. She never let him give up. His multiple surgeries and health struggles reminded us all that life is to be appreciated and lived to the fullest every day. Dick loved going out to breakfast every week to meet friends and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

Dick had many special friends throughout the years. A special thank you is extended to Tom and Marsha Kultgen who spent many hours sitting by his side following his surgeries, and always were the first to show up without being asked. Special thanks are also extended to Tom and Patsy Fields for their love and support over the years. Dick shared many laughs with them playing card games and was thrilled when they showed him how to make his favorite Slovanian sweet bread, poticia. He was surrounded by a caring community of friends and neighbors that were always willing to lend a helping hand.

Dick is survived by his wife, Diane, of 47 years and his two daughters, Michelle (Dwayne) Hendrickson of Cascade and Melissa (Matthew) Cerny of Rhode Island. He loved his four grandchildren Hunter, Mason, and Ava Hendrickson, and Connor Cerny. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Ploetz of Texas, and other relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be dearly missed by his dog, Sophie, who was his best friend and never left his side. They were often seen riding together on his motorized cart around the neighborhood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arvin and Maryrose, his stepmother, Alita Kramer, and his in-laws, Henry and Hermine Udovich.

Dick was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. The family has requested a private service with no visitation. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in his name. The family would like to thank all of the caring doctors, especially Dr. Louis Coulis, Dr. Nikhil Parikh, and Dr. Katelin Krystowiak.

God saw you were getting tired,

And a cure was not to be.

So He put His arms around you And whispered, “Come to Me “

With tearful eyes we watched you,

And saw you pass away.

Although we loved you dearly,

We could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating,

Hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

-Until we meet again. I love you.

Love, Diane