Emily F. Kramer
Sioux Falls, SD- Emily Francis Kramer, age 94 passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Ava’s House by Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, SD. Her will be present to greet visitors for visitation from 5-7 PM on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls, SD. Her funeral service will be 11 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Baltic Lutheran Church in Baltic, SD followed by burial at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.
Grateful for having shared her life are her five children, Sharon (Kevin) Hopkins, Concord, CA, Doug (Helen) Kramer, Kearney, NE, Margie (Michael) Heinz, Tacoma, WA, Sandra (Steve) Peterson, Hudson, WI, and Daniel (Sarah) Kramer, Sioux Falls, SD. 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one brother, John (Samantha) Jennings, Salinas, CA; two sisters, June Weber, Fresno, CA and Mary Ruth (Robert) Swartzky, Abbotsford, BC; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Martin Kramer; parents, Ethan Andrews and Ruth Elizabeth Jennings; brother, Ethan Jennings Jr.; and brother-in-law, Dave Weber.
Emily was born in Knoxville, TN when at age 5 her family moved to Fresno, CA after a tornado flattened their home. Emily graduated high school in Sacramento then worked as a secretary. Emily served in the US Women’s Army Corp during the Korean War, stationed in Newfoundland 1952-1954 working as a Corporal in Communications/Chaplain’s Assistant. Emily met and married James M. Kramer when stationed nearby at Woodby Island, WA. Following raising a family, Emily attended Kilian Community College in 1994-1995 & received her diploma as a Medical Secretary-Transcriptionist.
Emily will be remembered for her love of music that spanned her entire life. Playing piano, singing hymns and listening to musicals on record albums. This brought her joy that she shared with her children and grandchildren. There are wonderful memories shared singing along with the Sound of Music and the Fiddler on the Roof as she played the piano. Singing songs of praise with her children in her final days until Jesus called her home. She is singing with the angels in beautiful harmony.
Emily enjoyed reading and writing letters to family and friends, many of which often included a birthday or anniversary greeting with best wishes, hugs, and kisses. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, and baking. All of which were passed onto the family in one or more ways.
Emily lived faithfully as she praised her Lord and Savior by reading her bible studies, living as an example of honor in God, & loving her neighbors. Kind, patient, loving and showing compassion for others; Emily will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Her favorite bible verse says: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, as I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:6
Emily’s joyful catch phrase will ring close to our hearts: “Time marches on”