Leo Joseph Kramer

 Leo Joseph Kramer, of Elba, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on September 26, 1939, on the family farm in Elba, MN, Leo was the son of Gregory and Evabell (Davidshofer) Kramer. Growing up alongside his six siblings, he developed a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

After graduating from St. Charles High School in 1956, Leo spent two years at the University of Minnesota studying agriculture and was a runner on the track team. He graduated in 1958. It was during a lively night of dancing at the Playmor Ballroom that he met the love of his life, Donna Hinds. They tied the knot on January 11, 1964, at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester, MN, and together, they made their home on the same family farm where Leo was raised, dedicating their lives to each other and their five children.

Leo began farming at a young age, becoming a dairy farmer until 1989 and continuing his passion for farming until his retirement in 2023. Growing up Leo was in 4H and FFA. He went to the Minnesota State Fair with oats. Leo also did rodeo barrel racing on his Horse. He loved going to Whitewater State Park and enjoying the beauty that was near and dear to his heart. He served on the board of directors for the Elba Creamery Co-op and was an active member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, where he was honored to serve as a eucharistic minister. Leo was happy to share his knowledge of the formula for photosynthesis and how he could recite the Suscipiat Dominus. His faith and family were cornerstones of his life, and he took immense pride in his role as a grandpa. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, tending to his animals; dogs, horses, and cows, and growing beautiful canna flowers.

A proud fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Leo also enjoyed playing 500 once a month with the card party club and later at the senior center in St. Charles. As a dad, he was super fun at Valleyfair because he loved rollercoasters, even rode the High Roller 14 times! After the loss of Donna in 2020, Leo took to writing letters, sharing his thoughts and stories as a way to connect with family and friends. Known for his friendly wave to every passerby, Leo spread warmth to everyone in the community. He also traveled to New York, Hawaii, Colorado, and Canada.

He was especially proud to see Old Glory Road officially named, after the family installed a flag that proudly waved for all to see. His love for his country was matched only by his love for his family and friends.

Leo is survived by his five children, Christopher (Mary) Kramer of Rochester; Rebecca Kramer Teal of Stewartville; Jacqueline Kramer of Winona; Daniel Kramer of Rochester and Brigitte (Moses) Pecinovsky of Rochester, eight grandchildren; Paul (Logan), Timothy, Teresa (Nicholas), Maria, Monica (Gavin), Anya (Marvin), Abigail, Andrew; great-grandchildren, Theodore, Chiara, Margaret, Stella, Malakai; brother, Edward Kramer; brother-in-law, Thomas Helfter of Le Center, MN; and sister-in-law, Shirley Kaiser of Walnut Creek, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; sisters, Regina Leisen, Mildred Dee, Lucille Helfter, and Joan Pollema; brother, Leonard Kramer; sisters-in-law Rose Marie Hinds (Sister Edward, lsp), and JoAn Kramer; and brothers-in-law Joseph Leisen, Stanley Dee, and David Pollema.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles, MN from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The rosary will be prayed at 9 a.m.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Following the service, Leo will be laid to rest at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Elba, MN.

To watch the livestream, please follow the link below.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NzgwNzA4ODM5NTk0NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==