Barbara Joan Kramer

Barbara Joan Kramer, 93, of Minneapolis, MN died October 28, 2025 at Redeemer.

She was born December 20, 1931 in South Bend, IN to Robert Watson & Wilomene (Billie) Jaskins. She married Bill "Coach" Kramer on June 30, 1951 & divorced 1982. He preceded her in death February 14, 2025.

Longtime resident of Ottumwa, IA as well as West Des Moines, Barb's smiling face was a joy to behold. She was a member of St Mary of the Visitation & St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church singing with her beautiful voice (as a teen, she would sing for weddings & her parents would ask her to sing for company) & was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. Over time, she worked misc jobs including Curator for Wapello County Historical Museum, shelving at Ottumwa Library, Uniforms Plus, Target & "selling" Avon! As a teen, she worked as a soda jerk & thought she wanted to become a pilot, but became a mother at age 20.

Barbara enjoyed bowling. She had a deep appreciation for art & music as well as enjoying nature's beauty. You could see her carrying a stack of books back from library that she would read within a week or two! Anyone that knew Barb probably got a letter or note with cutouts of something that stood out for that person. Her children appreciated having her home after school with apple crisp or some kind of cookie waiting & would be challenged to a game of Yahtzee, Trouble or cards & rarely, if ever, said no. She loved the time she was able to share with her grandchildren & friends, offering everything but the kitchen sink. Most of all, Barbara, loved & cared with all her heart. To know her was to love her as much of the Redeemer staff shared during her life & at her passing.

Barbara is survived by her children Denise & Cheryl Kramer of Minneapolis, MN, Bill Kramer of New Providence, IA, Bob (Jane) Kramer of Ottumwa, IA, Elaine Kramer (Shawn Clark) of Des Moines, IA, sisters Linda (Ed deceased) Scheiblhofer, Kristine (Thom) Adams & brother Bill (Andi) Watson. Grandchildren: Krystal (Matt) Miskell, April Chapman, Keaton Kramer, Malia Kramer-O'Keefe, Amanda Barnard, Sean Barnard, Kelsi Kramer (Victor Villagomez,) Ben (Maddie) Kramer, Shona Kramer-LaBorde, Sam Kramer, Dante & Ana Clark, 5 great grandchildren

Preceded in death by son, John Patrick Kramer, her parents & grandson Robbie Chapman.

Barbara continues her giving persona as her body has been donated to U of MN Anatomy Bequest Program for education & research.

Celebration of life will be December 26th/27th in Minneapolis. For details, reach out to family member.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to NAMI or St Joseph of Ottumwa, IA...and as Barb would say, "You be Good to You!"