John 'Alan' Kramer

PAID OBITUARY

John “Alan” Kramer died peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, May 24, at the age of 72.

Alan is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maria; their three children, Kristine (Kevin) Peterka, Corrie (Tom) Porter, and Michael (Heidi) Kramer; and their 10 grandchildren, Rory, Sabine, Myles, Tessa, Owen, Josie, Juliet, Georgia, Evie and Ryan.

Alan was predeceased by his parents James and Hilda Kramer.

In 1964, Alan was accepted at Notre Dame University on a full NROTC scholarship.

In 1966, he became head student manager of the ND football team. 

Under Coach Ara Parseghian, the ND football team won the 1966 National Football Championship. 

Alan met his future wife, Maria, that year. 

She was one of the first women to attend classes at Notre Dame University.

They were married the summer after her graduation.

In 1967, Alan began Navy Flight School.

Two years later, he earned his “wings” in San Francisco. 

He was assigned to fly P3 Orions, a Navy reconnaisance plane. His squadron was deployed to Viet Nam for three years — 7 months in Viet Nam alternating with 6 months at home in Hawaii.

Alan and Maria’s first two children were born during these years.

For his “shore tour," Alan was assigned to teach at Marquette University for two years.

After finishing Marquette, and acquiring an MBA, Alan worked primarily as an officer for US Bank until his retirement in 2013.

In 1996, Alan and Maria moved to Grafton, where they lived for the last 23 years of his life.

It was at St. Joseph’s Parish that Alan was finally able to pursue one of the true loves of his life — service to those less fortunate than one’s self. 

In spite of ongoing health challenges, he found purpose, joy, love and friendship in his work with his St. Joe’s family.

A visitation and Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Alan’s life were held Monday, June 4, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grafton. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.  

Alan’s family appreciates the compassionate care provided by the Froedtert Cancer Care Center and the love shared with their “St. Joseph’s family” in Grafton.

Memorial donations in memory of Alan may be made to St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Human Concerns Committee.