Charles A. Kramer, 77, died Jan. 23, 2017, at his home near Lynnville. Funeral services were held Friday, Jan. 27, at Sully First Reformed Church. Memorials have been designated for Lake View Camp and Mexico Missions – Norman, OK (Bruce and Paula Hepburn).
Charles Allen Kramer was born Feb. 8, 1939, to John Charles and Verlee Susan (Wykert) Kramer in Oakville. Charles attended Oakville High School. He met Marjorie Maasdam at the Iowa State Fair, and they were married Feb. 19, 1960, in Pella. To this union they were blessed with three children.
Charles joined the Maasdam Sorghum business in 1963 and made many improvements to the operation in his 54 years of involvement. Charles was a charter member of the National Sweet Sorghum Producers and Processors Association.
Charles was a member of Sully First Reformed Church where he served as elder, deacon, and Sunday school teacher. Faith was an important part of his life, raising his children to know and love the Lord. He enjoyed volunteering in Mexico where he helped build homes for the less fortunate. Charles also loved adventure; he went hiking in Colorado, cycled across Iowa twice, canoed from Red Rock to Keokuk, and travelled with Marge to Mexico, Ecuador, and across the United States. He was a hardworking, dedicated, and loving father and grandfather.
Charles is survived by his wife Marjorie Kramer of Lynnville; his children: Scott (Constance) Kramer of Ft. Collins, CO, Gail (Dennis) Terlouw of Newton, and John (Jennifer) Kramer of Lynnville; eight grandchildren; and his siblings: Rose Marie Brees, Donald Wayne (Janet) Kramer, Gladys Lorraine (Clifford) Gentry, Joan Louise Gerst, Mary Ann (Robert) Brown, and Susan Beth (Randall) Simmons.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law Leonard and Gertrude (Wielard) Maasdam.
