Jerry Joel Kramer

     Jerry Joel Kramer, the son of John and Minnie (Heldt) Kramer was born April 3, 1934 in Moneta, IA. His child hood years were spent on the family farm near Everly, IA, where he attended school and graduated from Everly High School in 1952.

     Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1952 and served until his Honorable Discharge in 1955 During the Korean War. He was in the Marine Reserve for 9 years after his active duty. He married Kathleen Stoterau on October 13, 1955. Jerry worked for the Iowa State Patrol for 5 years. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia College in 1989. He became Iowa’s first Narcotics Agent in which he served 5 years and then worked as a Federal Special Agent for the DEA until his retirement at 60.

     Jerry enjoyed reading, crosswords, gardening, fixing cars (or anything really) helping his neighbors, being on Lake Okoboji, baking treats, and was a WWII buff. He will be remembered as a jack of all trades, his sense of humor and his one liners.

     Jerry passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Health Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Kathleen, 2 brothers, John Kramer Jr. and Richard Kramer, a sister-in-law LaVonne Kramer, and one cousin, Maurice Kramer.

     Left to cherish his memory are his 3 daughters, Julie (Mike) Neal of Charlottesville, VA, Jennifer (Jack) Thooft of Apple Valley, MN, and Kathy (Scott) Geyer of Lakeville, MN; 11 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one niece; 2 nephews; cousins; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; other relatives; and many friends.