William Kramer Obituary

William A. "Buddy" Kramer

Jan 28, 1944 - Feb 5, 2024

Castalia

The Kramer Family is sad to announce the death of William A. Kramer, 80, of Castalia, on Monday morning, Feb. 5, 2024, at home.

William, known as Buddy or Bill to his family and friends, was born Jan. 28, 1944, in Sandusky, to Ruth (née Meyer) and William Kramer. After the early death of his father, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Richard Kamann, along with his siblings.

He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1962 and joined U.S. Navy for four years. He traveled the world, serving as CS3, Chief Office Supply Officer. He served on the USS Atakapa (ATF-149) and the USS Marias (AO-57), and in Vietnam in the Naval Support Activity Danang. He was stationed at other locations, Spain, the Mediterranean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Caribbean. He served an additional two years in U.S. Navy Reserves. After the service, he joined National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors, participating in many reunions. He was a member of Amvets Post #17, VFW Post 2529, and Sandusky Knights of Columbus.

Buddy trained as a carpenter and apprenticed with local contractors before going solo. As a contractor and builder in the Sandusky area, Buddy built or renovated many of the area's homes, businesses, and churches. He was especially proud of his renovation to the St Mary's Church doors and railings. Buddy liked to fish and tell fish-stories over a beer with family and friends. He always had a story to trade and enjoyed hearing other people's stories, sometimes retelling them with embellishments. Growing up, he enjoyed camping with his parents, siblings, and cousins. Later, he and Jill continued camping and traveling with their own family, eventually visiting all 50 states and many other countries. Buddy was an enthusiastic gardener, frequently expanding his grapevines and garden, often competing with family or friends over who could grow a larger pumpkin or garlic. Even after he fell ill, he would walk around the garden or ask about the chickens.

He and Jill (née Wolf) married in 1970 and raised three children, Anne, Heidi, and Peter. Their family was periodically expanded to embrace foster children. An ardent supporter of St Mary's church and school, Buddy was often found in the audience or working with the booster groups. His commitment to the church was a legacy from his mother and his grandfather, Clarence Meyer.

In the fall of 2023, Buddy learned that he had anaplastic thyroid cancer. With the medical care from the Veterans Administration, he sought treatment that helped to reduce its growth and extend his life for a few short months. While in the care of Stein Hospice, he passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at home with family.

He is survived by his wife, Jill (Wolf) Kramer; children, Anne (Joe Galluzzo) Kramer, Heidi (Rodd) Kiliany, and Peter Kramer; and siblings, Paul Kamann and Sandra Kamann.

Visitation for friends will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Prayers will be recited at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at the funeral home followed by 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, with Father Zach Brown presiding. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to William's memory may do so to St. Mary's Catholic Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, or St. Mary's Central Catholic Schools, 410 W. Jefferson Street, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.