Lester F. Kramer, age 102, of Marion, died Monday morning, January 7, 2013, at the Kingston Residence of Marion.
On April 30, 1910, Lester was born at home in Marion County, the son of the late David A. and Henrietta (Beckel) Kramer.
He attended Hickory Corner, a one room school house, for his first eight years of education. He graduated from Cardington High School in the Class of 1930.
Lester married the love of his life, Helen L. Augenstein, on August 1, 1936, in Greenup, Kentucky. Together they raised two sons and shared over 60 wonderful years before she preceded him in death on March 22, 1997.
Lester was a lifetime member of the St. John’s Reformed Church which later became the Peace Community United Church of Christ. He served on the consistory board of the church for many years.
A member of the Eagles band for 30 years, Lester played the trumpet and baritone. He also had the honor of playing in the Ohio State Fair Band in 1929.
Very active and skilled with his hands, Lester was always a self-employed man. He worked many jobs as a carpenter, took care of a farm until he was 96 years old, and was also a ditching contractor. He enjoyed running the ditching machine so much, he said he rather do that than eat.
Lester will always be remembered for his easy going manner and the smile that was always on his face. He was also a very thrifty man throughout his life, having learned the value of everything he had as a young man during the Great Depression.
Lester will be dearly missed by his two sons: Larry (Clarissa) Kramer of Sarasota, FL, Harry (Gwen) Kramer of Marion; five grandchildren: Katherine (Kyle) Johnson, David (Virginia) Kramer, Sarah (Doug) Everhart, Suzanne (Paul) Loyer, Ted (Deana) Kramer; 10 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Doris Kirk of Prospect and Viola Betts of Cardington.
In addition to his wife, Helen, and his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings: Vesta Ruth, Harold Kramer, and Vada Kramer.
The Kramer family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Peace Community United Church of Christ, 4061 Columbus-Sandusky Road South, Marion, with Pastor Joel Fetter officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Peace Community United Church of Christ or to the American Red Cross, and may be made in care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Lester’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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