Gary Dean Kramer

BLOOMFIELD - Gary Dean Kramer, 78, Bloomfield, died March 19, 2021, at Avera Sister James Nursing Home Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was March 23 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial was at St. Rose Cemetery, Crofton, with military rites by the Crofton American Legion Post #128.

Visitation and a Vigil Service were Monday, at church, and continued one hour prior to services at church. Face masks and social distancing were required for the visitation and funeral.

Services were also live streamed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay/live.

Pallbearers were his grandchildren, Corbin Wavrunek, Caryssa Wavrunek, Cayden Wavrunek, Elizabeth Dumansky, Hannah Dumansky, Andrew Dumansky, Tiana Clark and Anthony Clark.

Gary Dean was born Jan. 28, 1943, in Hartington, to Martin Julius and Mildred Mathilda (Arens) Kramer. He grew up on a farm southeast of Crofton. Gary was a multi-sport athlete and graduated from Crofton High School in 1960. He began farming with his dad and later bought his own farm, where he raised livestock, harvested grain, and ran a hog operation. He was involved in soil conservation, receiving the NRD Award for terracing and tree planting. He married Julie Marie Ausdemore April 28, 1966, at St. Rose of Lima Church, Crofton.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, and some favorite pastimes included playing cards, bowling, golfing, coyote hunting, and camping with his family at the farm. Gary also served on the Dolphin township board for close to 40 years.

Gary is survived by his seven children, Brian Kramer, Hartington; Brenda (Michael) Edison, Lincoln; Jackie (Bill) Dumansky, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Theresa Wavrunek and fiancé, Aaron Olson, Yankton, S.D.; Michael Kramer and fiancé Stephanie Guenther, Crofton; Stephanie Kramer, Lincoln; Brent Kramer, Lincoln; eight grandchildren; five step grandchildren; seven siblings, Mary Lou (John) Addison, Newcastle; LaDonna (Tom) Kuchta, St. Helena; Rose Ann (Keith) Newman, Lawton, Iowa; Francis (Deb) Kramer, Yankton, S.D.; Randy (Sandi) Kramer, Yankton, S.D.; John (Sue) Kramer, Hartington; Marty (Bonnie) Kramer, Hartington, and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mildred Kramer; Julie Kramer; a stillborn older baby brother; brother, Norman Kramer; and sister, Gerri Lynn Pinkelman.