"We just received a letter from Aunt Marj & Uncle Gene telling us of Wayne's passing. Mother enjoyed her visit with Wayne at a nearby truck stop as he was passing through one year. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."
In loving memory of
Wayne L. Kramer
December 3, 1938 - October 23, 2009
Wayne L. Kramer, 70, died Friday, October 23, 2009, at his home in Winona, MN. Wayne was born December 3, 1938, in Stockton, MN, to Henry and Dolores (Maschka) Kramer. He married Lois Ives on August 27, 1960, in Winona. Wayne was a lifelong truck driver. He drove for Crenlo for 26 years and most recently had been driving for Silver Eagle Trucking. Wayne was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Elks Club. Wayne loved spending time with his grandchildren, working with the funeral luncheon committee at church, following NASCAR, and is loving remembered for his Christmas lights display that surpasses the Griswold's.
Survivors include his loving wife, Lois; two children, Kurt (Sandy) Kramer of Winona, MN, and Karmen (Jason) Lehman of Ixonia, WI; grandchildren, Bradley and Matthew Kramer; sisters, Jeanette Sorenson of Winona, MN, and Darlene (Kenneth) Johnson of Winona, MN; and brother, Darrel (Jody) Kramer of Lewiston, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marlene Buege.
A Memorial Mass will be offered to celebrate Wayne's life on Tuesday, October 27th, at 12:30pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church with the Reverend William Becker officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service Hansen Goodview Chapel on Monday from 4-8:00pm and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Please share a memory of Wayne with the family, sign his online guestbook or view his video tribute when it becomes available online at: www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/97149
Tributes
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"Lois, Kurt & Karmen, - know that we are thinking of you and that you are in our prayers. There are lots of good memories of when we were kids and the "gang" (Wayne & Lois, Kenny & Darlene, Toots & Rich ) got together to play cards or just have a "beverage" or 2 and talk. That was big fun for us kids as we got to go somewhere different to play. I remember him as always smiling with something funny to say. Always remember that death is not the end of life - rather the beginning of a new one and that we will all be together again in the House of the Lord."
"Lois, Karmen and Kurt, We are sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort and peace in your hearts. I remember Karmens Dad as being a fun guy to be around."
"The Kramers, Very sorry to hear about your loss and to let you know we are thinking about you during this difficult time, take care. The Bambenek's "
"Lois, Kurt and Karmen, I am so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing. I have many memories of your family - way back when I taught at St. Mary's, and the children were small. Your memories will be priceless blessings as the time passes. With love, Maureen"
"So sorry to hear of "Speedy's" passing. I remember my Dad (Bill Angst, aka the Green Monster), yakking with Wayne on the CB radio as he headed out on the road, or was making his way back home so many years ago. The CB radio club picnics and campouts were fun, too. I imagine those two are busy talking now, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Shocked and saddened that Wayne passed away. My Sincere Sympathy to the family and especially to you Lois. I am glad I had the pleasure to meet you both on our trip."
"Lois, Kurt, Karmen and family, This has all been so sudden, as it was only two weeks ago I learned of Wayne's illness. My heart goes out to all of you in the loss of Wayne. With this one heck of a guy, you have many many memories to draw to. Kurt's laundry stuffing episodes come to mind and the worry he had over Karmen's boyfriends, of course, Nyseth didn't "egg" any of these along at all?! I could write a book of fond memories of Wayne. Not to mention the prankster on a Vegas trip. Lois, in the days and weeks ahead, keep busy and plan fun things. Consider yourself HUGGED! Fondly, Becky"
"Dear Lois and family...I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I do know the great pain you are feeling on losing your husband and the children losing their dad and the grandchildren losing their grandpa. I pray that God will be with you through this difficult time with His love and comfort. May you receive the strength you need and always believe that Wayne is with you in spirit. May you have peace...Dian Gappa"
"It's a tribute to Wayne to see how many people have left messages here on the guest book. It shows how wonderful a man Wayne was and how easy he was to talk with. My prayers are with you, Lois, Kurt, Karmen and family. God Bless."
"Lois, sorry for your loss. I made it to the funeral an it was a nice testament to the man he was. My sympathies to you and your family"
"Lois and family, I was so shocked to hear about Wayne, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope God will keep you and your family close during this time of sadness."
"Kurt and Family, I am so sorry for your loss, my sympathy goes out to you and your family."
"Wayne was such a nice person, truly loved his family. I can't wait till Wayne heads into a campground in heaven and sees the gals shedding clothes as they are being chased and stung by a swarm of bees. Remember that Wayne? Wayne will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lois and family at this very difficult time."
"Lois, you and your family have our deepest sympathy. Wayne was such a nice person, chuck bowled with wayne and kenny, and we know the Kramer family, from years on past. He will surly be miss by us and many others. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. God bless you and your family."
"I have many memories of time spent with the Kramer family--the best memory will forever be the "Hacienda" somewhere in Florida in the midst of the night after a long long drive. Our first clue should have been the garden hose that fed the huge fountain out front. Second clue should have been that the $25 "suite" my parents and I had required us to go in one door and leave through another door (I stayed in Wayne & Lois' room with Karmen that night)--We just took our luggage with us when we went out to dinner and laughed about it. We all survived the night at the Hacienda! My daughter Eve was forever amazed by how "Bumpa's friend" could wiggle his ears--she tried and tried but could never do it. Wayne always took time for my dad after his strokes. He & Roger would bring him hats & shirts from the road. Wayne would bring him all of the Nascar papers. He always took the time. We love you, Wayne....Thank you for all that you did for everyone and give my dad a big hug up there for me. Lois, Kurt, & Karmen--you are forever blessed for having Wayne Kramer as your husband and father. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Jodi Martinson"
"Lois and family, My deepest sympathy. We just found out that Wayne was sick not long ago. This went way too quickly. Wayne was such an up beat kind a guy. He will be missed. God Bless you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"I first met Wayne and his family a few years ago at the annual Alzheimer Memory Walk, what a guy, he was so funny and made you feel like you had known him forever. I sure will miss him but I have such great memories to carry with me. Lois you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sure Wayne is already entertaining everyone in Heaven."
"Lois, Kurt, Karmen and families, I want to extend my love to you and sadness in the loss of such a wonderful man! I was talking to Mom (Marie) on the phone last week and she filled me in. What a shock. Wayne used to always brighten the Kramer family picnics. He will be missed by many. I hope time will ease your pain, as there is no easy way to say goodbye. His memory will live forever. Take care~ Love, Darla"
"Lois & Family, Those we love don't go away...It's just that we part...But they always remain close to our heart. May you find comfort in the treasured memories we have spent together. Treasured memories going back to childhood days with Wayne's family, high school, & so on. We have been so blessed to have known him & to be able to call him our friend. Bless you as you continue on life's journey!"
"Thank the man up above for having met Wayne and Lois back in our car club days (LAKESIDE STREET MACHINES) It was soooo much fun to have Wayne be a part of the club. To have his old 50's Mercury Black and white out there for all of us to enjoy was truely GREAT. Wayne if you can read this now Thank you for goining our family group of automobile lovers. We will forever miss our times together,,,BUT some of us will NEVER FORGET you as a member and Friend Sincerely our hearts go out to your family"
"I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. Take care and may peace be with you and your family. ~Erin"
"Lois, you and your family are in our Hearts, thoughts,and our prayers!"
"Lois and Family, We extend our deepest sympathies. Wes has fond memories of working with Wayne. Many laughs between the two. Wes and Brenda Whetstone"
"Kurt (and The Kramer Family), I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Although I did not know him well, I did have a chance to talk to him for a while at Milt's retirement party. Having lost my mom earlier this year, I know the pain of losing a parent. We'll pray for you, your mom and all of your family during this difficult time. God's peace to you. Rug"
"I will always remember Wayne playing softball with all of us kids at the family picnics. What a great guy. So sorry that he has left us so soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Kramer family."
"Kramer family, So sorry for your loss. I spoke to Wayne at the Class Reunion party. How fast our life's change. May he rest in peace."
"Lois and Family Sorry for your loss, my thought and prayers are with you at this time. Take care and remember all the wonderful times that you shared. God Bless you all. Renee Hanson "
"I first met Wayne and the family while participating in the Alzheimer's Walk and he made me laugh fromthe day I met him. He will be sorely missed at the Alzheimer Walk's but I am sure he will be looking down on us and smiling and laughing. God bless to you Lois and Kurt, he will be missed by everyone. Keep smiling. Tina and familty"
"I have known Wayne since school at W-K. He was always upbeat and friendly. Although some "put him down" because of his poor clothes, he never seemed to hold any resentment. He truly loved uncondicionally - as long as you didn't "cross his path". I also remember him from the Hanson-Kramer get togethers, especially the Alzheimer's walks. He will be greatly missed as a man and a true humanitarian. God be with you, Lois and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love makes a memory no one can steal. God Bless"
"Lois, You have our heart felt sympathies. May God Bless You in this time of need, Bob and Pam Todd"
"I go all the way back to Mill St. in the 40's in Wayne's life. Reading these tributes to Wayne makes me realize what a wonderful person he was. I know he and my brother Jerry, had a lot of fun times together. They're probably plotting a few things right now. He's gone way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Lois. Art "Jr" Martinson"
"To Wayne's family, We are thinking about you and keeping you in our prayers. We will miss his bright smile at the Alzheimers Walk. God Bless you, Barb (kukowski) Sarvi and family"
"Lois; I had the utmost respect for speedy. What a great man and sure touched our life. You have a beautiful family and Speedy really left a legacy. It was with Wayne that I had my first ride in a semi and our daughter Julie really enjoyed the experience. Santa will remember the time Wayne drove the sleigh for Santa and what a memorable experience for Santa that Christmas. Wayne was such a kind, loving man who loved his wife and especially Kurt and Carmen along with Sandy and the 2 boys. I will really miss Wayne and am so honored to be a friend of Speedy. God Bless you lois and the amount of people who came to the wake is a true testimony of how much Wayne was liked. Love you all. Steve & Mary Baumgart"
"Wanye, I am very sad to see you go. I am grateful for the support you had given my family, Suzie, Merlyn and Mari over the years. Everyone could always count on you to help out. Thank you for the gift I think you might have given Harris durring the past weeks and thanks for taking the time for my boys Mack and Jack. I figured we would have you for at least another 10 years but I am very glad I was with you at the end. What a strong, kind and decent man. Tim"
"It was touching to see people at the wake thinking about a "trucker" who was special and his family. Jim's best friend is a trucker and he knew Wayne. From the size of the crowd, looks like a lot of people did. Lois, I hope that comforts you and your family at this sad time. God's Blessings, "
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"The loss of a loved one is never easy. Please know that I'm thinking of you and wishing you peace at this difficult time."
"Lois and family: My deepest sympaty to you. Remember the good times you have spent together and Cherish the time you had with Wayne here on Earth. He will be looking over you from above and protecting you. May God Bless. "
"Lois and family, I was so shocked to see Wayne's passing this morning in the paper (web). I knew you and Wayne many years, now he is gone to be with his family and good friend "Lugnut." Jerry Martinson. Our deepest sympathy God Bless Dave"
"Memories of Wayne go so far back and for Wayne and Jerry memories would go back to childhood. He was a true friend, will be missed by many.My thoughts are with you, Lois and family. ALso, Wayne, thank you for saving the "blue bowl". God bless Eva"
"Lois, and family, we mourn them in their deaths remember them in our hearts and minds And with these we will continue to live our lives Peace be with you and your family, Mike and Verliss"