Howard F. "Mitt" Kramer

Howard 'Mitt' F. Kramer

Howard "Mitt" F. Kramer, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. Howard was born Oct. 10, 1937, in La Crosse, to Benjamin and Teckla (Thesing) Kramer. He was raised on the family farm in Lanes Valley and lived most of his life raising his children nearby in the valley. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1963, first as a member of the 998th Engineer Battalion, Specialist 4th Class, and later as a member of the active reserves. He married Meredith Wilson Nov. 30, 1957.

Howard had a creative and engineering mind. There wasn't anything he couldn't build or repair. His talents were well used in several professions over the years, including his own construction company designing and constructing sewage systems for which he earned numerous state certificates. Up until shortly before his death, Howard could be found designing and fabricating his custom exposed aggregate lawn creations. Howard was well known for his many abilities and was always willing to help a person in need. Howard had many hobbies including reading, history, playing musical instruments (accordion and guitar), and was an avid hunter. Howard was a simple man. Most important to him in life were good friends, good neighbors, and above all his family.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 63 years, Meredith; his four children, Theresa (James) Mendell, Harold Kramer, Laura (Todd) DeLaney, and Monica Dickson. He will also be lovingly missed by his 11 grandchildren, Jennifer, Robert, Samantha, Brian, Benjamin, Alicia, Zachary, Nicholas, Rebecca, Austin, and Lucas, and their spouses; in addition to 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Louise (Reuben) Starch; and many nieces and nephews. Howard was preceded in death by an infant son, Howard Jr.; his parents, Benjamin and Teckla; one brother, Clarence; and sister-in-law, Evelyn; his mother and father-in-law, Arvilla and Donald Wilson; two brothers-in-law, David Wilson and Vernon Bue.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at Crucifixion Catholic Church, La Crescent, Minn. Fr. John L. Evans, II will officiate. Burial will follow in the Toledo Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Crucifixion Church on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and again Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Facial coverings will be required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.