Tom Kramer

Thomas Kramer, 78, of Clarion passed away Monday July 12, 2021 at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond.

Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas Kramer will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue North East in Clarion with Father Jerry Blake officiating.

Visitation for Thomas Kramer will be held on Friday, July 16, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. There will be a Rosary starting at 4:15 PM and Vigil Service at 4:30 PM prior to visitation. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Thomas “Tom” Kramer, the son of Thomas “Clay” and Margaret (Stecher) Kramer, was born May 30, 1943 at Clarion Hospital. Thomas grew up in Clarion, went to St. John’s Catholic Grade School until the 8th grade, and graduated from Clarion High School with the class of 1962.

Tom married JoAnn Svendsen on June 29, 1968, and to this union three children were born: Gloria, Clayton, and Jonathon.

Tom was a faithful farmer. He knew how to work with the Lord and became a successful steward of the land. He retired from farming in 2004 and the couple moved into town.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed camping with his family, going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, playing with Legos with grandson Thomas and other competitive games, and peaceful mornings watching the sunrise. Tom was a natural teacher, being a Boy Scout leader and a second dad to many of his kids’ friends. He loved to pass on knowledge and skills especially when it came to working on cars and motors.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jo Ann of 53 years; daughter, Gloria (Paul) Regnier and son Thomas of Hampton; sons, Clayton (Heather) Kramer and sons Coltin and Carter of Fonda, and Jonathon (Lori) Kramer of Salida, Colorado; sister Mary Ellen Ryan from Cresco; brothers-in-law Charles (Joan) Svendsen and Rick Oudekerk; sister-in-law Kathye Gaines; along with nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, infant granddaughter Christian, and brothers-in-law Phillip Ryan and Lon Gaines, sister- in-law Barb Oudekerk, and niece Angel Gaines.

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