George R Kramer

George R. Kramer, 92, beloved father, husband, grandfather and great grandfather, died July 5, 2009 at Kingswood Senior Living Community. He was born in Mankato, Kansas on July 22, 1916, the older of two sons of George Rowan and Katherine Emily Kramer. After elementary and high school in Mankato, he attended Kansas State University where he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Chemistry. While at K-State he lettered three years as a member of the varsity basketball team. Following marriage to Helen M. Lohmeyer, Newton, Kansas on September 7, 1941 and completion of an MBA degree at Harvard Business School, he served in the U.S. Navy during WW II. He then began a forty year career with Corn Products Refining Company, holding various management responsibilities in manufacturing, engineering, personnel and research at divisional and corporate levels in both domestic and international locations. Upon retirement in 1982 he relocated to the KC area with his beloved wife where they celebrated 67 years of married life. His interest in gardening led him to become a Master Gardener and volunteer in the Johnson County Kansas Extension Service. Throughout his life he was actively involved in the United Methodist Church with membership at Old Mission Methodist Church at the time of his death. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Toby and his wife, Helen. Survivors include a son, George R. Kramer, Jr., a daughter, Kathy Freshwater (John), four grandchildren, Robert, George R. III, Michelle and Katie and five great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Kingswood Senior Living Community on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. Graveside services were held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 11, 2008, at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Dan Dempsey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Kingswood Foundation-Health Center, c/o Gail Benne, 10000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64114.
Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.melbymortuary,.com. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of local arrangements.