Joseph Rene Kramer

Joseph "Joe" Rene Kramer, of Fortville, Indiana (formerly Indianapolis), peacefully went to meet his Savior on September 8th, 2025, surrounded by his children and loved ones. He had endured a long illness in which his faith and love of his family were his strength and motivation to finish his time here well.

Joe was born in Indianapolis Indiana to Frances and Simone Kramer on September 11th,1944. He graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in 1962. He went on to join the UA Local 440 in a pipefitting apprenticeship and became a journeyman, and later master, pipefitter, which defined most of his career, excepting 4 years of self-employment, operating Joseph R Kramer Installation Company in which he installed gym equipment in high schools across Indiana from 1975-79. He then joined the UAW, going to work at GM Truck and Bus where he retired after 30 years of overtime, and hard and excellent work. Dad was a master at whatever he decided to do; and his standard was excellence. He taught his children many practical life skills, and most importantly he taught them that a working faith in Jesus Christ and love of family were the essential choices made to create a meaningful and joyful life. No one in the family had ever had to hire a plumber, he was as generous with his time and skills as he was with his love of them. He enjoyed travel and camping with his family and especially with his wife of 51 years, Jerri. He was an avid sports fan and we're sure those coaches and players will miss the guidance he shouted at the TV all throughout their careers. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a part of several beautiful faith communities and outreach ministries including Christ Renews His Parish at St. Joan of Arc, and the Indianapolis Great Banquet team #62. He was a very consistent and generous donor to several Christian and animal charities.

Joe is survived by his sibling Denise Allen, children, daughter Marie Henson and her husband Ricky, son Eric Kramer and his wife Gina, son Marc Kramer and his partner Lisa, son Nathan Kramer and his partner Michelle, daughter Julia Kramer, and his bonus-son John Lang. Nine grandchildren, Andrea Sampiere, Jeannette Obanion, Joseph Kramer, Christian Burnell, Isaian Burnell, Noah Burnell, Brooke Eshleman, Courtney Kramer, Morghan Kramer, Christian Burnell, Isaiah Burnell, Noah Burnell, 6 great grandchildren, his "foster son" and close friend J. Brian Penn, and his large, beloved extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife Geraldine (Hummel) Kramer, his parents, siblings Rod Kramer and Jessie Suda.

We will be celebrating his life on Saturday September 20th at Indiana Funeral Care with Visitation from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, with a service and eulogy at 4:PM, with a gathering immediately following at Keystone Sports Review (upstairs,-minors allowed),

Monday September 22nd with be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at Noon.

Dad had a very soft spot in his heart for dogs and cats, and loved one pet or another throughout his whole life--though the cats came later. He often donated to animal shelters and the current crisis many shelters are facing bothered him very much. So we're asking that memorial contributions be made to Indianapolis Animal Care Services:

You can donate money to Indianapolis Animal Care Services online, by mail, or in person. Donations are tax-deductible as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by law and can be made to the Friends of Indy Animals (Federal Tax ID: 32-0099654)

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