John Frank Kramer

John Frank Kramer, Jr. 94, of Richmond Heights, died on Friday May 19, 2017 at the Hospice of the Western Reserve after Alzheimer’s and lymphoma.  John was born March 23, 1923 in St. Peter, Yugoslavia (Slovenia) and immigrated to the United States in 1934 at the age of 11. He lived in Cleveland and was a member of St. Vitus Church before moving to Richmond Heights in 1958.

John attended East Tech High School before enlisting in the United States Army during W.W. II. He served from January 8, 1943 to October 31, 1945 and was discharged with the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and 4 Bronze Stars. He was a carbine SS 30 caliber rifleman on the crew for the 155 howitzer in the field. He served in Normandy, France, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

John was a carpenter and spent his evenings and weekends building his house in Richmond Heights. He was retired after a 40 year career as a carpenter in heavy construction. He worked at the Perry Nuclear Plant and  many years at the Republic Steel plant in the Cleveland Flats. John was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America Labor Union.

John spent his free time outdoors gardening and raising exotic birds, chickens, ducks and geese. His family described him as generous, strong, hardworking man that was very humble and lived by the “Golden Rule.” He was loved by everybody that knew him.

Survivors include his children, John J.III (wife Carolyn) of Mentor and Laura Kramer Kuns (husband Martin) of Highland Heights; grandchildren Martin A. and Vincent S. Kuns, Jessica L. Kramer, Elisa M. Huelskamp (husband Chris) and great-grandfather of Jason and Jacob Huelskamp; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife Antonette (nee D’Ercole) who died in 2014; parents John and Anna (nee Lovse) Kramer; and siblings Frederick “Fritz” Kramer (wife Zora), William Kramer (wife Nancy) and his twin Milena “Millie” Bride (husband Jack).

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at Whitehaven Memorial Park. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of John at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 3-5 and 6-8 PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Friends of the Slovenian National Home, Inc. 6409 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44103.