Kathleen Marie Kramer

Kathleen Marie (Gunn) Kramer was born June 14, 1921 to William Windsor Gunn and Erma Bernice (Dick) Gunn in Republic County, Kansas, and died October 16, 2015, at Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 94 years.

She grew up in the Republic area, on her parent’s farm. Kathleen had four sisters, Bernice Margaret, Marion Elizabeth, Mary Evelyn, and Marjorie Eileen. Kathleen attended King School and Webber Grade School in Republic County, Kansas, and attended Superior, Nebraska High School, graduating in 1939 from Scandia Kansas High School. She lived through the 1930’s dust bowl and was able to attend High School by working for her room and board. These life experiences gave her a strong will and fearless approach to life.

Kathleen married Alvin Thoburn Kramer on September 22, 1940 and resided in Mankato, Kansas, until 2003 when she moved to Nebraska to be near family. Her husband, Tobe Kramer, died in 1986. She resided in Bellevue Nebraska, until her death on October 16, 2015.
Kathleen supported Tobe in his family business, the Kramer Funeral Home and the Kramer Furniture Store while providing care for her children. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and encouraged her children’s musical interests. Kathleen took great pride in her yard and beautifully landscaped her last home in Mankato, planting maple saplings from her father’s farm and peonies from the garden of Kitty Kramer, her husband’s grandmother. Kathleen enjoyed playing cards and ice cream socials.

Kathleen was active in the community through her membership in PEO, DAR, and the United Methodist Women’s Circle. Tobe and Kathleen were avid dancers and danced throughout their married life with their friends.

Kathleen’s parents, sisters and husband preceded her in death. Her children are: Charles Thoburn and wife, Patty Kramer and his children Patrick and Brian Kramer; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Mia Kramer and Logan Schoems; daughter - Kerry Marie Kramer and husband, Chuck Santangelo and grand-daughters, Reah Santangelo and Jessica Dunks, great-grandchild Elijah Dunks; daughter - Linda Alene, and husband, Rick Silver and grand-daughter Erin Silver, and great-grandchild Connor Bryant. Kathleen’s 12 nieces and nephews and their many children and grandchildren will greatly miss her. Kathleen’s family loved her and her memory is ever-present in their lives.

The funeral is Thursday, October 22, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Harmony Methodist Church, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Kathleen will be laid to rest next to her husband, Tobe Kramer, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 21, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the mortuary. The family suggests memorials to: City of Mankato for tree, or Ute Theatre, in care of the mortuary.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of service arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.melbymortuary.com.