Joseph Kramer
August 14th, 1945 - April 19th, 2024
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Joseph's Obituary
Joseph F. Kramer, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday morning, April 19, 2024, at his home with his family by his side. He was born on August 14, 1945, in Chicago, IL, one of four children to the late Joseph A. and Mary Rose (Bromboz) Kramer. On June 28, 1975, he was united in marriage to Judith M. Schmidt.
Joe graduated from Quigley Preparatory High School, Chicago, IL in 1963. He continued his education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Loyola University, Chicago, IL in 1967; Master of Arts in Theology from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL in 1970; and Master of Arts in Teaching from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI in 1987.
Joe spent his career as a teacher. From 1970-1972, he taught Theology at St. Benedict’s Junior High School in Chicago, IL. From 1972 until his retirement in 2008, Joe taught Theology, History and English at Lake Michigan Catholic High School, St. Joseph, MI. From 1989-1994, he also taught evening classes at North Berrien Adult Education, Pier School, Hagar Shores, MI.
Joe’s special talents included building the home, repairing items when needed, thinking and solving problems while keeping humor and puns at the forefront. Joe enjoyed the many years of teaching at Lake Michigan Catholic High School and loved when former students would approach him. He loved taking care of and supporting his family.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21
Surviving are his wife of 48 years – Judy Kramer; two children – Jodie (Rob) Broadwater and Joseph A. Kramer; two grandchildren – Nolan and Mallory Broadwater; sister – Mary Wolski; two brothers – Paul (Linda) Kramer and James Kramer.
Preceding him in death were his parents and stillborn son – Jeffrey Kramer.
Joe’s family would like to thank the staff of Caring Circle Hospice for their loving care and compassion, especially Allie and Nancy, who were a great comfort.
A funeral service to celebrate Joe’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 26, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 25, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be directed to Caring Circle Hospice. Please visit Joe’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Joe graduated from Quigley Preparatory High School, Chicago, IL in 1963. He continued his education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Loyola University, Chicago, IL in 1967; Master of Arts in Theology from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL in 1970; and Master of Arts in Teaching from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI in 1987.
Joe spent his career as a teacher. From 1970-1972, he taught Theology at St. Benedict’s Junior High School in Chicago, IL. From 1972 until his retirement in 2008, Joe taught Theology, History and English at Lake Michigan Catholic High School, St. Joseph, MI. From 1989-1994, he also taught evening classes at North Berrien Adult Education, Pier School, Hagar Shores, MI.
Joe’s special talents included building the home, repairing items when needed, thinking and solving problems while keeping humor and puns at the forefront. Joe enjoyed the many years of teaching at Lake Michigan Catholic High School and loved when former students would approach him. He loved taking care of and supporting his family.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little, I will put you in charge of many things; share in the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:21
Surviving are his wife of 48 years – Judy Kramer; two children – Jodie (Rob) Broadwater and Joseph A. Kramer; two grandchildren – Nolan and Mallory Broadwater; sister – Mary Wolski; two brothers – Paul (Linda) Kramer and James Kramer.
Preceding him in death were his parents and stillborn son – Jeffrey Kramer.
Joe’s family would like to thank the staff of Caring Circle Hospice for their loving care and compassion, especially Allie and Nancy, who were a great comfort.
A funeral service to celebrate Joe’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 26, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 25, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Joe’s name may be directed to Caring Circle Hospice. Please visit Joe’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave a condolence to his family at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.