Marvin Chris Kramer

Marvin Chris Kramer May 18, 1914 - April 29, 2013 Marvin C. Kramer passed away peacefully in Sacramento, CA, at the age of 98. He was born in Baraboo, WI, then the winter headquarters of Barnum and Bailey Circus. As a young boy he worked at the circus grounds. He went on to receive his Masters in entomology at the University of Wisconsin, where he met his future wife, Margaret VanDerzee, a graduate student in zoology. During World War II he worked for the Department of Agriculture in pest control throughout the Midwest. In 1953 he moved with his family to work as a vector control specialist, managing mosquito abatement districts in Tulare County, Alameda County and then working for the Department of Public Health in Berkeley. He retired in 1977 from the position of Head Vector Control Specialist for the State of California in Sacramento. Marvin had a long and active retirement. For more than twenty years he traveled the world alone, or with his wife, Margaret, with his sister, Opel, or with his children. India, China, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and Egypt were all destinations. In his 80s he traveled as an International Courier to the Philippines and Indonesia. At home he loved to attend all of his grandchildren's sporting events and host a Monday night football gathering for his neighbors in Cobb. "Pop" hosted holiday dinners for over 20 years and was a guest at every family occasion. He was always ready to help in any situation and to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke. He continued with his life long professional commitments by serving as Chairman of the Board of the Lake County Mosquito Abatement District until the age of 90 and was President of the Society of Environmental Entomologists, a national organization. He leaves behind four children, Marvin G. Kramer and wife, Yvonne of Ukiah, CA, Margaret M. Kramer of Ukiah, CA, Michael K. Kramer and wife, Elizabeth of San Carlos, Mexico, and Kathi and Joe Gomes of Clarksburg, CA; five grandchildren, Jamie Gomes, Scooter Gomes, Theresa Kramer Johnson, Andrew Kramer, and Alexander Kramer; and ten great-grandchildren. In the last few years his home, or as he called it, his "headquarters", were with his daughter and son-in-law, Joe and Kathi in Clarksburg, CA, and with his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Elizabeth in Cobb, CA. At his request there will be no memorial. Pop will be remembered as a delightful companion and devoted father and grandfather. Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.legacy.com.