"So sorry to post this so late, but I only just discovered her passing. Cathy and I were roommates long ago when we were both students at Purdue University back in the 1980s. We shared an apartment together for two years in a lovely old three story building that was later demolished to make way for the building of the Tippecanoe County Library. I was just today thinking of a particularly wild Halloween party we had one year. We had a particularly potent Harry Buffalo punch and everyone had a really great time! Cathy and I had fallen out of touch over the years after college, but had found each other again through Facebook for a while. I delighted that we both had daughters named Anna who were incredible artists. (Anna, your mom was so proud of your art! Hope you have found a way to pursue it! My Anna, though, is sadly distracted with other pursuits now.) Anyway, we fell back out of touch, and I was thinking of her today, and did a search and sadly found this. I lift a figurative solo cup of Harry Buffalo punch to you Cathy. Cheers!"
In loving memory of
Catherine M. Kramer
April 19, 1956 - December 26, 2022
CATHERINE M. KRAMER
MUSCATINE, Iowa - On Monday, December 26th, 2022, Catherine Marie Kramer passed peacefully at the age of 66.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. There will be a time for sharing memories from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. following the visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to It Takes A Village Animal Rescue. Online condolences can be left at wittichfuneralhome.com.
Cathy was born on April 19, 1956, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the daughter of Michael and Ruth Stapleton Heazeltine.
Cathy lived a rich, multi-faceted life. She served in the Armed Forces and was stationed in Augsburg, West Germany from 1975 to 1978. She then went on to pursue Chemistry at Purdue University, earning her bachelor's degree in Food Science in 1985. She spent many years in the field of food science before taking an opportunity to specialize in business and marketing within the food science field. She earned her MBA from St. Ambrose in 2002. In 2007 she decided it was time to pursue a lifelong dream of teaching. She got a Master's in Education and began teaching science at Muscatine High School. She felt the role as a teacher was first one of nurturing a space for acceptance and support. Without those things, she saw it was impossible to be engaged in high school Biology. She especially cared for students who struggled the most with school, whose personal challenges went unnoticed, and students who seemed to have everything working against them. She also equally loved teaching her fellow teachers and had a special place in her heart for each student teacher she worked with. She sponsored the Gay Straight Alliance at the high school from 2013 until she retired in 2021. Her impact on the community was tremendous.
Cathy was treasured for her wit, determination, and occasional irreverence. She loved The Mona Lisa, corn decor, cooking, and knitting, using power tools, and spending time with her children. She was very proud of the fact she could tie a roast.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Anna Kramer and her fiancée, Taylor Williams; her two brothers, Dan and Andy Heazeltine; and her dog, Sid.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Caroline Kramer; and her brother Patrick Heazeltine.
Tributes
"Cathy was definitely one of a kind. So thoughtful and caring to the students, and the students loved her. I'll miss our messages on FB that always started out, "Hey, nurse...." And that weather warning, "Nurse, do NOT fly home from Philly tonight." Miss you Cathy. "
"Cathy was my mentor during my first years of teaching in Muscatine. She always had a generous heart, was willing to try anything, and was favored amongst the toughest of students. You will be missed, dear friend. Good Journey ??."
"I know her from high school god rest her and her daughter soul I knew both her and her daughter "
"Cathy was a very kind and caring person ,I knew her thru my sister RIP you will be missed"
"I served with Cathy in Germany. She was one of my troops and I was proud to have served with her. Her amazing wit and personality literally made each day better. She will always hold a place in my heart. Slow Hand Salute, Specialist Cramer. You may stand down. Your watch is over. Vaya con dios, mija."
"i was stunned to hear of Cathy's passing. She helped me through some tough moments. There was nothing a diet coke and a Kramer talk couldn't fix. rip"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Tonya Tim and Aidan Armstrong"
"Thank you for being one of the few people at MHS that helped me and believed in me you will forever be in my heart Kramer?? I know I use to cause trouble but you always knew I would come around and I did.. love you Kramer "
"Cathy and I served together in the Army at Field Station Augsburg in Germany from 1975 until 1978. She was dedicated to our mission but had the greatest sense of humor. We drove our NCOIC crazy with our outlandish socks. It's strange the things you remember after 49 years of friendship. Rest in peace my friend. "
"Cathy was a mother figure to me when I needed one most, and I will forever be grateful. "
"Thank you for being the greatest science teacher! You will be missed "
"Cathy will be deeply missed. She was a wonderful person and loved her students. Prayers for the family."
"I was lucky to have known Cathy and worked with her at Muscatine High School. She was quick witted, loved her family and the kids at school! A real gem! I?ll miss you Cathy.??"
"I had the great pleasure and enjoyment teaching across the hall from Cathy at MHS. She was a wonderful person. I am so very blessed to have known her. May God give the family comfort at this time. "