Henry E. "Woody" Kramer's Obituary
Henry E. "Woody" Kramer was born May 19, 1941 in Altamont, IL to Mary Rosetta (Roedl) and Henry A. Kramer. He married Mary Alice Strassburger on January 25, 1964. He entered eternal rest on December 12, 2023 at the age of 82.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Alice Kramer of Charleston, IL; children, Liane Foerder of Westfield, IN, Alice (Mike) Dutler of Vernon Hills, IL, Kevin Kramer of New Buffalo, MI, Letha Kramer (Lisa Watkins) of Mahomet, IL, Ellen (Bryan) Ericson of Mahomet, IL, and Lauren Kramer (Ryan Anderson) of Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Stephanie (Dustin) Gay, Becca and Lexi Foerder; Christian, Matthew and Abby Dutler; Livia, Henry and Griffin Kramer; Hannah and Owen Ericson; Charlotte and Isaac Kramer-Watkins; and siblings, Barbara Legner, Tony Kramer, Mary (Peggy Johnston) Parker, Anicia Kramer, and Cami (Steve) Pisklak. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bernie Kramer, Peggy Blanchard, Anita Brazzell, and Denise Hassan.
Woody was a 1959 graduate of Villa Grove High School. After graduation, he attended Springfield Junior College for two years. He then transferred to University of Illinois, earning a degree in English and History in 1962. Woody attended law school at the University of Illinois, graduating in 1965. He became a partner in Brainard, Bower & Kramer law firm in Charleston, Illinois, where he practiced law for nearly 50 years.
Woody was an active member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic church in Charleston Illinois, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, a founding member of the Charleston Area Charitable Foundation, a member of the Charleston Area Economic Development Board, the Coles Together Board, the Coles County 708 Board, the Charleston Parks and Recreation Board and numerous other civic organizations.
Woody is known, loved and respected by many, he never knew a stranger, made friends wherever he went and is remembered for his loving kindness, generosity and for always having time for everyone he met. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren and he loved mushroom hunting, the St. Louis Cardinals, telling Deenie & Donnie [make believe deer] stories, University of Illinois sports, golfing, gardening, storm chasing and watching sunsets.
A Memorial Mass Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 921 Madison Ave., Charleston, IL with Father Braden Maher officiating. Livestreaming will be available on YouTube under St. Charles Parish Charleston Illinois (Henry Kramer). Inurnment will follow at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL prior to the mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Charleston Area Charitable Foundation, 6029 Park Drive Suite A, Charleston, IL, 61920.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or post photos, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel is in charge of all arrangements.
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