Edward "Eddie" Kramer

I was heartbroken to hear of Ed's passing. I never had a bad moment with him, nor did he ever fail to entertain or enlighten me. Ed was obnoxiously proud of his family. He talked of them unceasingly! Whenever I had dinner with him, and his beloved wife, LoriLei, it was so obvious how deeply Ed was in love with her.

Once, Ed showed me kodachrome photos he took in London 60-70 years ago. He would then weave a tapestry of stories into those, and other images about his life, especially during and after WWII. Ed told stories not only to inform, but to entertain and inspire. It was stunned in that I had only ever seen black and photos of that time-period. Seeing the bold colors was like watching a fairytale come to life. I envisioned myself walking down the streets of London, hoping to bump into Winston Churchill.

I also remember tales of when he was young bike-riding through Wicker Park, especially if Ed had developed a crush on some girl!

In spite of Eds health difficulties, he would not allow you to see his pain. The only exception was when he described what and who were lost from the horrors of the Holocaust.

Nothing angered Ed more than injustice. He was a dogged fighter for those without voice in our society. He was furious at the mistreatment of others. This is the main reason he emptied himself for WBEZ in his retirement years. Ed zealously embraced WBEZs mission to serve the public good for all of Chicagos people. Yet, his love for people extended far beyond Americas borders. He was a devoted listener to WBEZ, but especially the program I produce, the global news and issues program Worldview. Thankfully, I always welcomed his feedback, because I would receive his opinions on the show, whether I wanted them or not!

Eds dedication to his daughter-in-law Seena Jacobs NGO, Bookwallah, and its mission to bring reading materials to Indias extreme poor was a passion, bordering on evangelism. That same evangelism extended to his fierce advocacy for WBEZs role as a facilitator of public discourse. When we felt fell short in that role, especially towards the cause of justice, Ed would let us know: in person, on Facebook, through email, etc. Eds critiques could at times be pointed. But he never said anything behind your back that he would not say to your face. Ed kept us on our toes.

When Ed gave tours to the public at WBEZ, he spoke in such detail about our history, the stories we tell, and who weve helped. He always viewed himself as an unpaid employee at WBEZ. Ed shamed us with the hours he logged as a volunteer

There is so much diversity and nuance about Chicago, the city of my birth. From the many years of my chats with Ed, grew within me a deeper appreciation of that nuance. Ed had a way of making you fall in love with Chicago, all over again. Along with similar souls Ive had the privilege to encounter, Ed was a link to my Chicago heritage. These people reaffirm my belief that winters aside, there is no better city in which to live than Chicago.

I loved giving Ed rides from Navy Pier to his apartment about a half mile away. Most times, he turned me down because he just wanted to walk, with that beautiful long stick I called his Moses Staff. As the years wore on, the staff got taller, as Ed increasingly became hunched-over. Nevertheless, he was eternally optimistic about his health, and would research, dig, and push his doctors to do the best for him, and for his ailing wife. Ed knew more about certain medical conditions than many of his physicians -- and would tell them so!

The stories and talks came so fast and furious, and in such detail, that its impossible to recall them all. As I reflect, I think less about the things Ed said, and more about the way he made me feel. I always felt he heard me, respected me, and cared for me.

Simply put, Ed Kramer was a cool gent. I can see him now walking westward up Navy Pier, into the sunset, a gentle, small silhouette tapping that Moses staff into the ground. I adored him. I truly miss my buddy.

At 7:20pm on 7/20 I lost my King. Edward Kramer, fought heroically but in the end his body could no longer sustain his iron will. He was nearly 90. He had walked himself into the ER on June 12th complaining of stomach pain. He had a perforated duodenum and needed immediate surgery. He expressed his desire to have all measures employed to sustain his life. He was always a man of Science. We then set out on a 5 week quest to make him better. His age, diabetes, sepsis, edema, low protein and a laundry list of complications took their toll. 5 trips to the ICU and he was still battling. His will, love and stubbornness pushed him forward. The many procedures he endured with no pain medication would have killed someone younger. He died surrounded by his children Aaron, Robyn and Michael. (Randy and Seena his girlfriend, from Chicago, had seen him 3 weeks prior) His wife LoriLei was holding his hand with her daughter Lynn, husband Peter and granddaughter Amanda close by. My rock Joni was there with me too.

He was born in Chicago to immigrant parents. His dad owned a barbershop at North and Damen. He had a brother Marty 9 years his senior. Early on his love of film and photography compelled him to work at a movie theater. He soon became the manager and projectionist. At the breakout of the Korean War he enlisted and went to boot camp. Due to a sadistic drill sergeant he dropped to his knees with a 70 lb. pack and fractured his kneecaps (Osgood Schlatter). That caused him to stay behind while his platoon went to war without him. None survived. He was shipped to a base in Germany where just off the boat the commander struggled with local communications. He grew up speaking Yiddish in his home and thus quickly picked up German. So he volunteered and became a translator. Through his pluck and desire to help he gained status and special privileges. He often went to the movies on base and one night the projectionist didn't show up. He jumped in, threaded the projector and quickly found himself in charge of the USO for the base. He ran big shows with Danny Kaye and touring Jazz bands. After the war he went to work in the jewelry business. At SA Peck in Chicago he designed and sold jewelry. One day a friend told him about a cute girl in an office a couple floors away who had a Jewish star necklace. He went up there and met my Mom who he pursued relentlessly. They married and had 2 kids in Chicago (Randy and Robyn) before moving to the brand new community of Park Forest, Illinois where they had Michael and I. Every day he would travel by train downtown to the jewelry store. He was a hard worker who was never fully appreciated for his skill and dedication. After 22 years of marriage he and my mom Judith divorced. He initially moved downtown and even lived in the Hancock building. He moved out to California to run Robert M. Glass, a jewelry store in downtown LA. It was in LA that he re-met LoriLei who he had known when they were very young. (he dated her older sister when he was in his teens) They have been married for 34 years. They moved to New York for 9 great years where he became a diamond broker for Delta Diamonds. He would travel to Antwerp and at the diamond clubs his fluent Yiddish again paid off. After NY they moved back to Chicago and lived in the middle of Streeterville for 20 years. He loved the centrality of their location and after he retired he led architectural tours around his beloved city. He loved WBEZ Public Radio and volunteered for 17 years just to be around the station. He became friendly with many radio personalities and would hold court telling tales of early Chicago. In the last few years their health was declining and his desire to take care of his wife was taking a toll on him. We moved them to California to have them closer to her daughter and us. He never wanted to leave her side and was so devoted until the end. He loved to tell jokes and stories. One he told often was about a man who was injured and laying in the street. A bystander came to his aid and asked, are you comfortable? The man laying there replied, I make a living. As the ravages of the long hospitalization took their toll on him he retained his sense of humor. He often had his eyes closed and would refuse pain meds. I would ask him, Dad, are you comfortable? and he would always reply, I make a living. Near the end he was being sustained by a BIPAP breathing machine. I asked him again, one last time, Are you comfortable? And against the muffled positive pressure of the mask I heard him say as much as he could, I make a living.
Time is precious. It is important to bear witness. Be present. Fill your heart with love, laughter and gratitude. It is all we have. Peace to you Pops. My King.





There are those moments where I think I missed something, an inexplicable detail, a familial nugget of great genealogical importance, a story that time has now ground away to its essence. He was a fount of knowledge that has now run dry. I shot some footage over the years that remains as a document for others but it doesnt replace my ability to just pick up the phone and ask, hey dad... In the end he had a 10cm by 6cm hole in his abdomen. It was the initial incision that had dehisced early on and couldnt be closed. If he had lived he would have had a permanent hernia to deal with. I too have a hole now that I will live with. Ill adapt. Ill go on. In time I will lovingly refer to that hole because it is a part of me until the end.

I lost my Dad one month ago today. He was a good man who was loved by many. He and my stepmother moved back to California last September, and I was lucky enough to see him more than I had in the 18 years since I moved from Chicago. Im grateful that he was a part of my life for as long as he was. He would have been 90 on August 28th. His long life is a testament to what a determined man he was.
Rest well Pops.

I met Ed when I married Jay Brown 31 years ago. Ed was always upbeat, smiling, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with at all times. Ed made my one of a kind wedding ring. I still wear it because it is so beautiful even though Jay has been gone over 13 years. Ed was a role model to many on how to enjoy life. Once he gets settled, he will surely start giving tours in the after life, making sure people are happy with their new surroundings. Thanks, Ed, for pushing Jay in his stroller when he was a baby. Fondly, Ingrid

It is nearly impossible to think of Ed without smiling. He was engaged with life. Whether that meant sharing his life-long gathered knowledge and stories or maintaining relationships with all "the cousins" or making sure he understood the latest personal technology. He touch many people in ways that they will always remember. He welcomed me to the family with open arms from the day he met me and that relationship continued throughout his life. I will miss him.

Mr. Kramer was a lovely gentleman to know, always so upbeat with his friends and neighbors at Cityview. He was friendly, kind, interesting, engaging, and very personable. Very few people could match his joie de vivre and polished conversation skills. The combination of his wonderful spirit and personality was such a bright spot for our community and he will be truly missed... My condolences to his lovely wife and family.

Ive been fortunate to learn from Randy, all about Edward Randy loved his dad very much and it always made me feel how significant and important it is to give love and care to those in your life. So, I was a person who received a gift from Edwards long and good life. Thank you, Edward! Heidi Hedeker

He was Chicago to me. He taught everyone so much about everything. My fondest memory was one day when I was preteen we were out walking downtown. There was this very lost and confused young woman, she only spoke german though. He saw this and jumped into tour guide/knight in shining armor mode. The details have been lost to me, I just remember the look on her face when he showed her he cared. We then took her out to dinner, pizza I believe... this is the Ed Kramer I will always think about, my grandpa, everybody's friend. Thank you grandpa, for this memory and so many more.

Eddie : It was a great surprise to hear of your passing. I wanted to tell you that you will be missed. You touched many people's lives while you were here on earth. You were always welcome at the Gold house on Chestnut Street in your beloved Park Forest.You were there to comfort my father during his dying days.The years have gone by very fast. You never had a chance to meet my two children, Rachel and Freddy. You will live on through the stories that I will tell them about you. You were a loving father to four wonderful children. You lit up the room. Your Yiddish jokes made everybody smile. I am sorry that i could not say good bye to you. This note will have to suffice.

Harry Gold

Uncle Ed, You were such an inspiration -- always engaged, so knowledgeable and interesting, and everyone's resource. We all loved you so much and you will live on in our memories. Love, Marla and family

He lived a good life and will be remembered fondly by all his survivors and friends!

Since I am the oldest child in the family, I knew my Uncle Eddie the longest. I can vaguely remember going to his wedding but do remember all the good times we spent with his family when we went to visit them in Park Forest. He was always so curious about life and loved sharing his knowledge and memories with all of us. Of course we can't forget that he helped us all purchase our finest jewelry, especially engagement rings, that will be cherished forever. He was the keeper of our family's history and we also loved visiting with him in Chicago and hearing the stories about our city's history and buildings. We are so glad we got to spend time with him earlier this year in California and we will miss having him in our lives.

Uncle Ed made everyone feel special. In reality he was the special one. He was such a wealth of knowledge. The keeper of the Kramer heritage, family tree and ancestry. He loved everyone with a passion. He had so many interests and gave of his time so freely. He had so many friends and acquaintances whose lives have been enriched by knowing him. His life was a true blessing. Love you and miss you always!!

My Dad loved public radio. He was a volunteer for over 17 years. He even gave tours.

I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Ed. I cherish my childhood memories of going to Park Forest and playing with the cousins and smelling his pipe tobacco. I loved the way he called me DonGee. He was a talented photographer and took my wedding photos for me, free of charge! We always made a point of seeing each other whenever I was in Chicago, and I even got to partake in one of his Chicago walking tours. He came out to Reno regularly for cribbage tournaments and we would have dinner with my kids and catch up and listen to his stories. We played cribbage together online, were facebook friends, and I enjoyed his stories and photos that he posted. After my dad passed away, Uncle Ed stepped into that role for me, and I looked to him for advice and guidance. I last saw Uncle Ed this past March at Aarons home in Southern California, where we got to talk and I hugged him for a good long time before I left. He looked frail, but he was sharp as ever, and Im so glad I got to spend that time with him. I always said that if I was ever on the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Uncle Ed would be my Phone a Friend, because he was so knowledgeable about so many things. He held our family history in his brain, and could come up with dates and names faster than a computer. I really wish he would have written a book. I will miss him tremendously, and am grateful to have had him in my life.

When I got to WBEZ, Ed was already a legend around here. He was so much more than a volunteer. He was a friend to all, a keen analyst of what was great (and could be improved) about the place and an incredible storyteller. Whenever we needed to some perspective on Chicago history, Ed was there with an vivid personal tale that shed new colorful light on the topic--whether it was fishing on the dime pier, visiting the stockyards as a kid, the partial demolition of Greektown and Little Italy, the Wicker Park mafia, swimming naked in Chicago high schools or teen cliques in the 40s. I pulled him into the studio several times to record some of his great stories, but like the rest of us, I only wish I could've heard more from him. On top of being a riveting raconteur, he was a snappy dresser and a guy with GREAT taste in Chicago food. I got my food recommendations from him. On his last visit to WBEZ last summer, we were in the middle of an office skirmish that had management threatening to take away the newsroom coffee mugs and replacement with STYROFOAM. Unbeknownst to us, Ed shows up for his farewell party with his final WBEZ donation: of a huge BOX of his old mugs that we still use today. Once again, Ed saved us. So today, I hoist a hot cup of coffee to you Ed Kramer--you made this place and our lives a whole lot better and richer just by knowing you. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Dad - you meant SO MUCH to myself + Seena ; and now-
it's so inspiring to discover all of the MANY lives that you touched,
and
added a smile to.
Rest in Peace- Dad.

Often- in life you can easily "forget" meeting or knowing a person, their personality is just like- a million that you may have met before; but anyone who'd ever met my dad before- to a person- will never forget meeting him.

Chicago lost a special guy. My condolences to Ed's family, especially Lora Lei, his children and grandchildren. Ed Kramer, bon vivant, raconteur, couldn't walk into a room without knowing at least four or five people. A giving man, he loved life and always had a story to tell. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

I was very lucky to have such a wonderful stepfather when my mother, LoriLei, married Ed. We had some great times together, shared a wonderful trip to Greece with my mother, daughter, husband and mother-in-law. He was loved by our family and friends here and abroad.

Ed could hold court in a dark hallway, speak from the heart across a crowded aisle, and in an instant, become the empathetic listener. It was an honor to know him and his big heart and sharp mind lives on in his wonderful family and multitude of friends.

Ed was a breath of fresh air, always lifting everyone around him up. One of the good ones.

My Dad's L'il Bro---my Dear Uncle---89 years young---more tech saavy than a twelve year old kid!! First on his block to have a "Palm Pilot"---he Facebooked, he Skypped, he could stop the VCR from blinking 12:00!! He could 15-2, 15-4, 15-6 and a pair is 8 with the best of them. A "diamond" in the rough (pun inTENded). He will be sorely missed by me and all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him. Sleep in heavenly peace Uncle E....and say hi to my Pops for me.

When I started at WBEZ, I had just gotten engaged. Ed noticed my ring and we ended up talking for almost an hour about his life in the jewelry business! The man was so full of joy, and so many stories. I'm glad to have known him. He is missed.

So much fun sitting next to Ed at WBEZ. He had some great stories and was so easy to talk to. He is definitely missed.

On my visits to WBEZ headquarters at Navy Pier, I enjoyed hearing Ed talk about his childhood in West Town and Humboldt Park.

To Ed's family: My condolences to you all on the loss of your great dad. I loved coming in to WBEZ to talk with Ed and hear his stories. He was always so funny, incredibly smart and kind. He was utterly devoted to Lorelei and he spoke SO proudly of his kids. On more than one occasion I'm pretty sure he put me on the phone with one of you so I could meet you :) Ed was an awesome tour guide at WBEZ and his love of public radio and current events shone through in his work for us. He was unfailingly cheerful in helping in volunteer tasks that were critically important but hardly anyone wants to do. It was a such a pleasure to be around him. He is definitely missed here at WBEZ, and I'm grateful I was able to know him and call him my friend. He will live on in all of you. With love, Melba Lara

We love you ED. We will never forget how kind and inspiring you were.

My Father-formerly known as "Fast Eddie" (and then later self-described as - "Not So Fast Eddie") was a "Good-Man" who will be missed greatly.

My dad touched many hearts and souls in his 89.5 years on this Earth.