Robert Kramer

Larchwood, IA

Robert “Bob” Paul Kramer, age 88, of Larchwood, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on January 23, 2026.

Bob was born on January 31, 1937, in Hudson, South Dakota, to Paul and Bert (Schettler) Kramer. He was raised in Larchwood and attended St. Mary’s School, where his faith and work ethic were formed early. Bob enjoyed sharing stories about his youth including driving the tractor at age 7, serving as an altar boy and playing ball at St. Mary’s, and his life in the service.

Bob proudly served in the United States Army, entering service on September 11, 1956. He was stationed in Hawaii and was honorably discharged in June of 1958.

On December 29, 1962, Bob married the love of his life, Carolyn Roessler, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Bob always said, “Marrying Carolyn.” Together they shared 63 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, and friendship. Bob was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood.

Bob was a hardworking farmer and also worked at the Sioux Falls Stockyards. Known as someone you could always count on, and he took great pride in providing for his family. He loved growing sweet corn and was known to have the best around.

Bob enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing, and watching sports of any kind, especially when his children and grandchildren were playing. He loved dancing with Carolyn and their friends at the Arkota, traveling together to Mesa, Arizona during the winters, and spending time with those he loved. He was incredibly proud of his family and will be remembered for his big heart and a smile that lit up the room. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren. He especially loved looking at photos of them on his digital frame, which he sometimes watched even more than the TV.

In his later years, Bob enjoyed watching Everybody Loves Raymond and Westerns with Carolyn and playing pinochle with his regular group of guys uptown.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Kramer of Larchwood, Iowa; his children Jeff (Kristin) Kramer of Winfield, Illinois; Mark (Julie) Kramer of Iron Ridge, Wisconsin; Julie (Kendall) Graber of Ames, Iowa; and Kieranne (Taylor) Nelms of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kayla (Jon) Dicus, Ryan (Haley) Kramer, Josh (Jennafer) Nehls, Jackie (Bryan) Feucht, Jared Nehls, Jenna Nehls, Erika Graber, Austin Graber, Christian (Emma) Graber, Dawson Rucker, and Landry Nelms; and his great-grandchildren: Wyatt Dicus, Serena Feucht, Sutton Feucht, Lulabelle Nehls, and Josina Nehls.

Bob is further survived by his siblings Janice (Bill) Harris of Omaha, Nebraska; Diane (Ken) Snyder of Larchwood, Iowa; Ken (Cheryl) Kramer of Larchwood, Iowa; and Dale (Rose) Kramer of Larchwood, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Bert Kramer, and his brother, Terry Kramer.

A public visitation will be held Sunday, February 1st from 5 - 7  p m with the family present at St. Mary's Church in Larchwood.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Larchwood, Iowa, with Msgr. Kenneth A. Seifried officiating. Burial will follow at the Larchwood cemetery.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful people who cared for Bob these past months, including Colleen Miles, the hospice nurses and their team, Tracy Kramer, and the Larchwood Medical Clinic staff.