Donald “Don” Ferdinand Kramer, 62, of Goff, Kansas lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, March 16, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children.

Don was born on April 12, 1951 to Callistus Jacob and Alma Mary Steinlage Kramer, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca, Kansas. He grew up on a farm south east of Kelly. He attended Kelly schools and graduated from Kelly High School in 1969.

Don enlisted in the Air Force in November of 1969; and went to training at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Texas. He then went to further Basic Training at Chanute AFB Rantoul Airbase, south of Chicago, Illinois, for twelve weeks. His temporary duty assignments were located in Alaska and Kentucky. Don was assigned to the 9th Tactical Fighter’s Squadron and Recon; and served his Country in Vietnam for two years. When he returned to the United States, he was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in California. In the fall of 1973, he was assigned to a Recon Outfit for six months; and November of 1975 he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

He returned to Nemaha County, and purchased his first farm in January of 1977. He married Janice Olberding on April 12, 1980 at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, Kansas. The couple raised five children and celebrated 33 years of marriage.

Don’s passion was being a steward of God’s land; by being a grain farmer and caring for livestock. He felt his farms were not his; but God’s, and his goal was to be the best steward he could, for his time here on earth. Don was not a selfish man, he never thought of himself, but only of others. He was a devoted father and taught his children many skills. Don’s family came first; and felt they were a blessing. He was a man of faith and prayed daily for his family and for those around him. Don loved God’s nature, he loved seeing the new grass in the spring and watching his crops grow throughout the season. He enjoyed his cattle and caring for the little calves.

Don was a lifelong member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Kelly Council #14639. He served on the Harrison Township Board from January 1989 to 2011. He donated many hours of skill and labor to volunteer projects for his community and the school.

He was preceded in death by his father, Callistus Kramer on November 3, 1995.

He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, who will be greatly missed by his wife, Janice of the home; children, Matthew Lee Kramer of Goff, Scott Donald (Jena) Kramer of Corning, Amanda Lynn (Ryan) Broxterman of Centralia, Cliff Jacob Kramer of Kansas City and Dana Marie Kramer of Manhattan; his mother, Alma Kramer of Seneca; siblings, Marilyn Lackey of Seneca, Alan Kramer of Goff, Bob Kramer of Goff, Rose Sudbeck of Hiawatha and Deann Shields of Colby, Kansas; and five grandchildren.

Rosaries will be prayed at Lauer Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18th at 2 & 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30AM on Wednesday, March 19th at St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, Kansas. Burial will be in the church cemetery; with full Military honors.

Memorials may be given in Don’s memory to St. Bede’s Knights of Columbus, Kramer Family Scholarship and Coins For A Cause.