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Michael Jeffrey Kramer
Michael Jeffrey Kramer
Obituary
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Michael Kramer Obituary
Many know Michael for his playful approach to life, musical prowess, and his immense technical skills and contributions.
Michael played with his chemistry set as a child, earned his Bachelor's in Chemical Physics from Michigan State University, and Master's in Physics from San Francisco State University. He planted roots in San Francisco, CA and worked for Lockheed Martin in Palo Alto for ten years. His projects included propellant testing, space shuttle tile modeling and repairing instruments, often without the luxury of circuit diagrams or manuals. It was at Lockheed Martin that he met his beloved wife, Jane - though their love story didn't begin until 25 years later.
Michael's love of math led him to a software engineering career at several Silicon Valley startups. He retired at age 71 from A9, a subsidiary of Amazon where he was awarded a software patent "Anomaly Detector for a Group of Hosts" which utilized Fourier component vectors.
A gifted classical pianist, Michael found joy in sharing music with others, often playing for friends, at senior centers, and on random pianos found at malls, coffee shops and airports. He was also a dedicated inventor - happiest in his basement or garage, tinkering, fixing, and creating things.
Michael maintained close friendships throughout his life, connections both constant and deep. He was generous with love and time, and embodied the rare gift of mixing vulnerability with dry sense of humor in a single sentence. A poetic absurdist, he advocated for what he believed in without taking life too seriously.
Michael is survived by his wife Jane, his mother Vicki, his sister Susan and stepdaughter Shelly. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/michaelkramer
19 Entries
Jonathan Kashdan
July 20, 2025
My deepest condolences to Vickie, Jane, and Susan. Michael was truly 1 of 1 in all the best ways. Though we were a generation apart, from a young age he treated me like a peer and he was always full of positivity, laughs, wit, and a playful youthfulness. I went through a tough period during the early adult years and I needed a change of scenery. I called Michael and without hesitation, he said I could visit him and he insisted I stay in his house. He showed me the best of Northern CA while he squeezed in those "job responsibilities". Though we were on opposite coasts, we kept in touch and got to see each other whenever he visited NY. To state the obvious, we miss you, but the memories we shared and the indelible positive impressions you left on me and so many others will stay with us. Those of us that got to know you are richer for that experience. I am so proud of all that you accomplished and more importantly, the way you lived life, with great passion, generosity, and love.
Chris Collins
July 20, 2025
I am so sad to hear this. Its not long ago Jane, Kramer and myself had dinner to catch up. The world is a little dimmer with you not around.
Kay
July 19, 2025
I´ve heard many wonderful stories from Jane about Michael-his kindness and compassion for others, as well as his creative passions. It wasn´t until my first meeting with him that I truly recognized the depth of his creativity and genuine warmth for family and friends. His ability to inspire and connect with others was evident in everything he did. Jane- he was one of a kind. I am so sorry for your loss.
Louise
July 18, 2025
I don´t know Michael very long but the times I met him, he´s full of smiles, very friendly, and had a great sense of humor. I am thinking about you, Jane during this difficult time.
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Audrey Kalman
July 18, 2025
Jane, I just heard and I am so, so sorry. I wish I could have met Michael but do feel I knew him a little from the stories you shared on our hikes. Sending hugs to you and your family.
Shanna Batista
July 18, 2025
I didn't know Michael well but was fortunate enough to hear him play piano. What a treat! And what a tragedy for those whose lives he touched and was gone too quickly.
Cinda Bailey
July 18, 2025
A man with beautiful joyful quirky energy. Love and healing to all who are grieving his loss.
Nataliya Panchuk-Voloshina
July 17, 2025
Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael once, his warmth and talent left a lasting impression. His music was extraordinary-he was truly a virtuoso-and most of all, it was clear how deeply he loved Jane and how happy they were together. My heart is with you, Jane, and with all who loved him.
Marga
July 17, 2025
I met Michael in one occasion. He was warm and wore a bright and warm smile transiting all that happiness.
During hikes, Jane shared many warm stories.
Much love to Jane and family. May all be comforted with these precious moments shared.
Margaret Horton
July 17, 2025
I remember Michael being at my 40th birthday party held in a park and him sitting on a picnic table reading a book on algorithms. He had such a great sense of humor, as well. His smile and bright eyes sparkled. I just know he is spreading joy and laughter and flying free. Blessings to all.
Nataliya Panchuk-Voloshina
July 17, 2025
Although I only had the pleasure of meeting Michael once, his warmth and talent left a lasting impression. His music was extraordinary-he was truly a virtuoso-and most of all, it was clear how deeply he loved Jane and how happy they were together. My heart is with you, Jane, and with all who loved him.
Pamella Stuart
July 17, 2025
I will remember Micheal´s kindness, laughter and his incredible wit and ability to brighten any room with clever comments and his sharp humor. Jane I´m very sorry, so unexpected, when I heard the news, my heart broke for you. I´m here, holding you in my thoughts
Gretchen Sustachek
July 17, 2025
I never got to meet Michael but, on hikes, Jane always had kind words and fun stories about him. My condolences to Jane, Shelly, and Michael's other family and friends.
Rob Escamilla
July 17, 2025
I'm shocked to hear of Kramer´s passing! I had lunch with him a few weeks back and had the privilege of working with him for years. In that time, he left an unforgettable mark-not just as a colleague, but as someone who could light up a room with laughter and the perfect one-liner.
His wicked sense of humor and light-hearted presence made even the most stressful days comical. I´ll never forget the time we were out on a work-lunch walk and a rogue squirrel decided I was the ideal landing pad. True to form, Kramer didn´t panic-he just laughed until he cried, made a dozen squirrel jokes, and then checked if I was okay (but not before naming the squirrel "Harry").
He brought joy, mischief, and humanity into every room he entered, including the SF Symphony, and I´ll carry the memory of his playing Rachmaninoff with me always. Please know my thoughts are with you and "Hellfire Jane" during this time. The world is less funny without him in it.
Janette Schoeppler
July 17, 2025
Gone way too soon but a life well lived. I know Michael had many talents and friends and was loved by many. May you be comforted by the beautiful memories of moments shared.
Ayse
July 16, 2025
Jane´s Michael was full of life and joy. He grilled excellent chicken and baked bread to perfection. I will never forget watching him playing the piano with vigor from memory. Much love to Jane and family. May his memory be a blessing.
Melanie Martin
July 16, 2025
Michael... where to start. He lived two doors down from us for over 25 years. When we moved in, he had just added several rooms to the back of his house. He did it all himself. He had an old pick up truck with the words "Piano Spree" written on the side. He used it to haul around his piano so he could play to various crowds, as Jane has noted. Michael was a genius, as close to a polymath as I anyone I will likely ever meet. Not long ago, he showed me around his garage-cum-milling (metal) workshop, as well as his basement laboratory where he performed electronic wizardry, and demonstrated his 3-D printer. If anything needed to be fabricated, built, or repaired, Michael could do it. His joy and exuberance was probably just like when he got his first chemistry set. Yet, he could go from workshop bench to piano bench and play hundreds of classical compositions on demand. A few weeks before he passed, my wife and I were at their house having wine, and he proudly showed me a the wine opener they had. If I had asked, (which I did not) Michael would have happily explained the physics behind why this particular tool worked better than others. Over the years, we had many discussions about current events, politics, etc. and he could always find the humor and irony in a situation without getting mean or snarky. He was one of the coolest people I have ever met, and I will miss him greatly. Gone too soon.
Carol Kocalis
July 16, 2025
Although we didn't know each other well, we were joined by the love of the same woman. Michael was married to my ex daughter-in-law Jane. We were lucky enough to share a few meetings over dinner and wine and I heard some interesting stories and witnessed his sense of humor. I also witnessed the love between he and Jane and my granddaughter Shelly. You will be missed.
Peyman
July 16, 2025
I did not know Michael for very long. Even so, his memory is a blessing that my wife Sheila and I will carry forward with us.
Peyman
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1139 Saranap Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94595
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