Dennis Allan Kramer

On the morning of July 26, 2025, Dennis Allan Kramer entered everlasting life while at home surrounded by his loving family and with a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus hung by his front door.

Dennis was born in Lorain, Ohio to Walter and Mary Kramer (Mihalic) on April 29, 1949. Dennis attended St. Mary's Grade and High School in Lorain. During high school, he was a member of the National Honor Society, served as the yearbook photographer, and worked as the school's sports photographer, with many of his photos published in the local newspaper. He received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Detroit as a member of Tau Beta Pi. At U of D, he worked on a solar power car and developed the electrical technology to make the bell tower ring again after an absence of 25 years.

After working at National Semiconductor and Motorola, he spent 35 years at Rockwell/Arvin Meritor. As Engineering Director in the Advanced Engineering group, he led the team that built the electric drive train for North America's electric pickup and delivery vehicle. He was also responsible for delivering the electro-mechanical systems to propel today's battery and electric hybrid vehicles. He has over 75 patents in the areas of sensors, motors, navigation and antilock braking systems. He was awarded the distinguished Leonardo da Vinci Engineer of the Year award competing with over 20 thousand engineers.

His civic duty was very important to him. He served on Troy's Planning Commission for over 15 years. His creative mind extended beyond engineering as he brought to the table the conception of the walkway between North and South Somerset Mall in Troy.

He would tell you, however, that most important was his family. He is survived by siblings Dale (Philomena), Sr. M. Jennifer, SND, and Cheryl Dahle (Steve). He was father to Joel (Katie Brown) and their children Madeline and Julia, deceased son Joshua (Donna Tiejema) and their children Ethan and Emme, daughter Rebecca Rudnick (Matthew) and their children Molly, Thomas, Paul, and Joseph and his youngest daughter Sarah Vacca (Michael).

To his children, he was a teacher of spiritual, academic and life skills education. He led them by example in his faith. For two years, Sunday afternoons were spent visiting the homes of Guardian Angel's parishioners to secure funds to build a new church. The first items on a vacation itinerary, were times and directions for Sunday Mass. He taught school subjects beyond what was in the book. His workshop was a place of learning in a fun and exciting way. Teaching problem solving in life was important. If you ask the question "Why" you have to come up with the solution of "How". Madeline often suggested that he should do a TV show entitled: "Ask This Old Grandpa". Joseph made him a wooden sign that read, "A Tool Guy Lives Here". They knew him well. He built three houses in Troy, all of which were close to home and schools so he could participate in his children's activities. He never missed a beat.

Preparing for retirement, he built a waterfront cottage in Sugar Springs, MI. Once retired, land trips and cruises to Europe were his favorite. Retirement also gave him the opportunity to build several versions of an electric bike. Laser cutters and 3D printers were his new toys. His brain and his hands never stopped working.

Above all else though was his marriage to Diane Marie Pauline. They met while in college and the rest was history. When he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, Diane became his caregiver. She would tell you that the love they had for each other made each day a perfect joy. In their marriage Dennis and Diane sought to set each other a good example, seeking each to sanctify the other, and walk together on the heavenward road. Such was their aim of a union which a sacrament had rendered them holy for 52 years. Dennis left knowing their love transcends the physical as their souls are bound together for eternity.