Otto Walter Kramer

1921 - 2011

Otto Walter Kramer 1921 - 2011 Otto Walter Kramer, a native son born in Bakersfield, California, on April 30, 1921 and died March 3, 2011. He attended local schools from Kindergarten graduating from Bakersfield Junior College in 1942. He enlisted in the USAAF on August 7, 1942. After graduation as a lieutenant he was called to active duty on February 5, 1943. He was sent to England in June, 1944, for assignment to the 390thBomb Group and of the 570th Bomb Squadron. He completed 34 missions; last mission was to Berlin in October, 6, 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, European Theater Operations with four Battle Stars, and the Polish Home Army Cross. He met Marjorie Cram in Amarillo, Texas, in 1945. They were married in Bakersfield 3 months later. For 10 years Otto worked in several divisions of hardware retailing and managed several hardware sections in two lumber concerns. In 1961 he became a manufactures Representative representing manufactures for building materials, never officially retiring. Otto was in the USAF Reserve for 36 years, retiring in 1981 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a life member of the 390th Memorial Museum Foundation, AFA, ROA, TROA and served 20 years in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of Kiwanis for over 40 years, member of the America Legion #26, the Masonic Lodge #486, Bakersfield Scottish Rite, Bakersfield York Rite, Al Malaika Shrine Temple, Kern County Shrine Club, and Chapter #391 O.E.S . He and Marjorie were members of St. Paul's (Episcopal) Anglican Church for over 40 years, served on the vestry and taught Sunday School. He is preceded in death by his parents, and wife of nearly 64 years, Marjorie. His is survived by his daughter Karen Telese of Bakersfield, Sons Mark Kramer of Huntington Beach and Eric Kramer and wife Shawn of Bakersfield. He has seven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren (soon to be 4). His family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care and professionalism given to Dad during the last year at Emeritus and also for the assistance and aid of Hoffman Hospice during his last days. A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery on Friday, March 11 at 2:00 p.m. and a memorial service will be at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church. www.bakersfield.com/obits