Gary Michael DeCramer
Gary Michael DeCramer
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Gary DeCramer Obituary
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At the 2007 Humphrey graduation.
Momolu Sirleaf
March 6, 2021
Gary was my adviser at the Humphrey and he touched so many lives. I’m who I’m today because of Gary. Continue to Rest in Power my mentor.
AHMED SIRLEAF
March 5, 2021
Estelle, Leila, Katie and Louise. Once again, allow me to register my sorrow at losing Gary so early. I have carried memories of Gary with me all these years since I first met him in 2010, at the Humphrey School. I had been contemplating returning to graduate school to learn about public policy and leadership but I wasn't so sure that programs at the Humphrey School would fit my needs. A friend who had studied with Gary encouraged me to first sit with Gary and learn about the programs. I did. His presence, calm and measured demeanors were palpable.
We soon started talking about Agriculture, human rights, rural development, and Africa. That was enough to get me more than interested in school and the programs. He taught me several core classes became a mentor. His classes I took, hands-on and collaborative manner of teaching continue to impact my career to this day.
He was a man of honor, integrity, and respect for others regardless of who you were or where you came from. Once again, please accept my heartfelt condolences and gratitude to your family for sharing this distinguished human being with the rest of the world. May his memories continue to be immeasurable blessings to All.
Reva Rasmussen
March 21, 2012
Estelle, I was so sorry to hear that Gary passed away. It was far too early. I knew him lightly, but he always greeted me warmly and remembered me. He was a gift to the world. We are all lucky to have had him in our lives. I extend my deepest sympathy to you and your daughters.
Stacy Saindon
March 20, 2012
Dear Estelle, Leila, Katie and Louise,
It is with a heavy heart I write this note, I am sorry for the loss of your husband and father. My husband Mike Saindon, had the honor to have Gary as an instructor for several classes at the Humphrey School, and even more the privilege to be invited to your home, as well as the gift of connecting with him at other social gatherings. My husband looked at Gary as the natural mentor that he was to so many. He spoke of him and how measured he was in all his interactions. Gary stepped into his life, precisely at the time my husband lost his father in January of 2010. The timing was ripe for Mike to find solace in an amazing man that provided reflection, instruction, guidance and genuine care. Throughout the last two years Mike has spoken of Gary with such respect.
I had the pleasure of meeting Gary in December 2011 at a holiday event hosted by Barbara Crosby and John Bryson. I understood immediately when Gary joined me on the floor while I was in the midst of keeping my 3 year old from destroying Barbara and John's lovely home, just how special he was to others. He meets people “where they are at” quite literally and figuratively. I fell in love with his spirit and energy that night, and was so glad that my husband had found such an outstanding mentor. Thank you for sharing this lovely man with my family. Our new mantra in our home is "what would Gary do?"
A great phrase to live by.
With much hope and healing to all of you,
Stacy Saindon
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Ann Klefstad
March 20, 2012
Dear Estelle, Katie, and Louise, we are so sad at Gary's loss. We'll miss this dear and wonderful man along with you.
love from Ann and Maja
March 15, 2012
Estelle and Family,
We are so sorry about your loss. Our prayers and your strong faith will help you thru these difficult times.
What an honor to have known Gary so well and worked with him during his state senate tenure. When you work with someone as their campaign manager and treasurer, believe me, you get to know each other. The honor and pleasure was mine. And to have him as our best man made our wedding so special.
Gary was indeed a very special and talented person - so gifted.
Prayers and Peace to you Gary.
Tony and Gerlinde Doom
Marshall MN
Jeanette Guimond
March 14, 2012
Estelle,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Joan Wobig
March 13, 2012
Estelle and family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time! I am so sorry for your loss. *hugs* Joan Wobig
Ed Kaplan
March 13, 2012
Estelle-
Sincere sympathy on your loss.
Leah Goldstein Moses
March 13, 2012
Will miss you, Gary. You brought kindness and joy to so many.
March 13, 2012
Hi Estelle
I am so sorry to hear about your sudden loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Take Care, Eileen Brooks
Philip Dacey
March 13, 2012
Whenever professional writers from all over the country came to Marshall to give readings and lead workshops and classes, they'd be surprised to find a strong and active literary culture there on the edge of the Great Plains. Gary DeCramer had much to do with the establishment and nurturing of that culture. Both as founder of Cornstock, a regular literary and musical event that developed into a kind of community, and as President of the college in Marshall, he was always supportive of the arts, particularly that of the spoken and written word. Many people at the college currently are in debt to him for the legacy he left behind.
Alixa Doom
March 13, 2012
I remember Gary as a very warm, shining and intelligent being whose presence was always welcome. I was proud to share my Belgian heritage with him - his grandmother and mine were best of friends. Because of Gary's close relationship with my brother, Tony, and also my frequent attendance at Cornstock poetry days in Ghent initiated by Gary, I was able to witness his love of life and caring participation. He will be missed by countless friends.
Pam Johnson
March 12, 2012
Dear family of Gary DeCramer,
Know that so many people carry you in our hearts following the loss of this compassionate, intelligent, inspiring man. I am among those students who received Gary's mentoring and support during my studies at the Humphrey. He will be deeply missed.
March 12, 2012
To the DeCramer Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Gary.We will keep him in our prayers.
Emile & Theresa (Panneck) Pille Esko, MN
Pam Wiltsey
March 12, 2012
Gary was a great leader at the USDA Rural Development. I worked with Gary during a difficult time at RD and he brought our employees together as a team. He was always caring and considerate and helped in building a solid relationship with the Indian Tribes in MN that continues. I will miss him and my heartfelt prayers go to Estelle and his family.
Kevin Chandler
March 12, 2012
What a wonderful, beautiful man. It scares me to think that I can never live up to the life he led. But I'm comforted having known him as I did . . . a man who wanted only to improve the lives of others. My heart is broken.
Susan Kennedy
March 12, 2012
I was a good friend when Gary was at St. Thomas, fresh out of the seminary. He was a complex, warm, honest, wonderful human being. I am sorry he is gone; a great loss for humankind.
Kathleen Olsen
March 12, 2012
Dear Estelle,
While drinking my Sunday morning coffee before church yesterday, I was stunned to see Gary's photo in the paper. He was one of my favorite customers at The Table (St. Martin's Table)As the bookstore manager/host, I got to greet this sweet, dear man at least three days a week for several years. Gary would often ask my suggestions for gifts for you Estelle. It was fun to shop for him at my store. I knew he was not only a brilliant teacher/mentor to so many...but, Gary also shared his caring,gentle self with friends like me. What a giant of a man! Estelle, you are held in my prayers at this painfully, sad time.
Jon Childers
March 12, 2012
Gary took the job of State Director of USDA Rural Development at a difficult time in agency history. He did a fine job in making the agency an important partner in assisting rural areas with housing, community facility, and rural utility loans. He was a leader that will be missed by all who knew him.
Ahmed Sirleaf
March 12, 2012
Gary was a great teacher and mentor. I was honored that he was one of my teachers at the Humphrey School just very recently. I remember his patience and understanding.
We will all miss him very dearly. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Momolu Sirleaf
March 12, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. Gary was such an inspiration to all who studied at the Humphrey. I will miss him.
Momolu Sirleaf
March 12, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 11, 2012
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Gary was respected resident of Mendota Heights and will be missed.
Sandra Krebsbach
Mayor Mendota Heights
Karen Lokkesmoe
March 11, 2012
Dear Estelle and family,
I am so deeply sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Gary was such a kind soul and touched the lives of so many. Many of the International Fellows have been sending their remembrances and prayers for you. He was so supportive of them.
I will miss Gary, enjoyed working with him and so saddened by the tremnedous loss to our community and for your family.
Laura Waterman Wittstock
March 11, 2012
Professor DeCramer was very appreciative of American Indian culture and we shared information, contacts with people we knew and he was going to lead an effort to connect the University with the new American Indian Movement Interpretive Center. He was eager to see the new center open and we were eager for him to be a part of it. I will miss him very much.
Sara Vail
March 11, 2012
Dear Estelle and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was such a warm and intelligent man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sara Vail
Carolyn Sampson
March 11, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Estelle, children and grandchildren. He always spoke lovingly and appreciatively of his family. Gary was so encouraging and supportive to me and all of the Humphrey students from around the world. He will be missed. ~ Carolyn Sampson, MPA, Humphrey Class of 2005
Davis Shryer
March 11, 2012
Estelle, Kate and Louise,
I am so sorry for your sudden and deep loss. Please know our family truly treasured everything Gary stood for, including his deep compassion.
Linda Alter Capell
March 11, 2012
Dear Estelle and all of Gary's family, especially Bertha,
Gary was the sweetest most heartfelt man I knew. He was a wonderful professor and friend. I am so sorry for your sudden loss. He was still learning and open to new ideas the final days of his life.
You are in my prayers.
Linda Alter Capell
Casey Bussey
March 11, 2012
Estelle, Katie & Louise,
I am so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, I will always cherish the memories we shared with the girls the softball games, band, birthday parties and sleepovers. Gary will be deeply missed; you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Casey, Greg & Andrea
Palma Cady
March 11, 2012
Beloved family of Gary, You are all in my prayers and thoughts. I am one of Gary's MPA students and have had the privilege of knowing him over the past few years. What an extraordinary person. I am so sorry for this terrible loss. I will continue to hold you in my prayers.
David and Lorra Carrow
March 11, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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