Benjamin Abraham Kramer

Benjamin Abraham Kramer September 16, 1914 - June 4, 2008 Benjamin A. Kramer, longtime Chicago businessman, and co-founder of "The Pickle Barrel" chain of restaurants, passed away peacefully, at the age of 93 3/4 at Scottsdale Healthcare, Osborn on Wed. June 4th, at approximately 3:00 pm; with his son, Mark, and companion, Gail Dole by his side. Ben was born in Chicago, and preceded in death, by parents, Herschel and Rose Nortman-Kramer (both Russian emigrees). Ben was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Sidney, who passed away in Feb. 1990. Benwas graduated from the original Lane Tech High School on Division St. and then Wright Junior College, where he was on both the football and wrestling teams. In the late 30's, Ben met, and later eloped and married Regina Katherine Lichtenstein, daughter of Julius and Ella Lichtenstein, of Budapest Hungary, and sister of Leo Lichtenstein, and cartoonist, George Lichty, creator of the syndicated "Grin and Bear It" comic strip. All of the above preceded Ben in death. During World War II, Ben served with the 5th Army Air Corps, 15th Bomber Wing, stationed in Foggia, Italy. Then became a Master Sergeant in charge of propeller motors, for a squadron of famed B-24 Liberator bombers. At wars end, Ben returned to Chicago, and he and Regina conceived one son, Mark Edward, born on Sept. 30, 1946. Ben began a series of businesses, the first being the Howard Street Liquor Store, followed by The Palace Liquor Store and Hotel, the Stateway Garden Supermarket, Laundromats and a Lumberyard, all on South State Street. In 1962, Ben, his brother Sidney, and Leo Osher opened their first "Pickle Barrel" at 1423 North Wells Street, in the "Old Town" area of Chicago. Their second restaurant was at Howard and Western, followed by Northbrook, Park Forrest, and finally the "Pickle Barrel" at 50 East Oak Street. During this time, he also opened a "Paul Bunyan Restaurant". Son Mark graduated Highland Park High School in 1964. Ben and Regina divorced, and both moved back to Lake Shore Drive. Mark graduated Arizona State University in 1969 with bachelor's degrees in both journalism and sociology. After almost 3 years as a Scottsdale Arizona police officer, Mark went to work for Ben at the "Pickle Barrel" restaurant on Oak Street, where he became personal friends with McDonald's founders, Ray and Joan Kroc. In 1972, Ray gave Mark the opportunity to own a McDonald franchise, and in 1975 Mark opened his first restaurant in Phoenix. Mark now has 13 McDonald's in Scottsdale, NE Phoenix and Fountain Hills Arizona, and is President of McDonalds Restaurant of Scottsdale. The last "Pickle Barrel" was sold in 1983. Ben moved to Arizona in 1984, and became a "secret shopper", buyer and advisor for Mark's company. Ben was active until the end, played golf twice weekly, enjoyed travel, music and the arts. He was remarkable, and looked twenty years younger than his true age. Ben's death was sudden, due to complications from a fall, causing a subdural hematoma and complicating renal failure and pneumonia. Ben is survived by Son, Mark and significant other Gail Dole, nieces, Wendy and Debbi, nephew Larry and countless dozens of friends. His final resting place is West Lawn Cemetery, buried in a family plot with his parents and brother in Chicago IL. He will be sadly missed and always loved by all who knew him. A memorial and celebration of life will be held Sat. June 21st 5-8pm at "Don and Charlie's" Restaurant, Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, call Don and Charlie's at 480-990-0900. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix.

Click here to view the obituary as it appeared in print.