Obituary of Norman Kramer

Norman Franz Kramer departed this life on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at his home in Bethune, Colorado. He was 82 years, 11 months and 17 days old. He was born on September 29, 1930 at the homestead north of Bethune, Colorado. He was the first born child and only son of William Kramer and Theresia Stahlecker Kramer. Norman was raised on the family farm along with two sisters, Irene and Doris. Norman attended Prairie View School through the 8th grade. He then attended Bethune High School and graduated in May 1948 at the age of 17. Norman was a long time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, north of Bethune, CO where he was baptized and confirmed. He always strived to live a life of service to others and be a model of his Christian faith. Norman worked on the family farm for a few years following graduation. During those winters, he also worked on a ranch in the San Luis Valley with his favorite uncle, Andy Stahlecker. He learned to love the mountains and the uniqueness of the San Luis Valley. Norman then entered the Army on July 15, 1953. His tour of duty included induction at Ft. Riley, Kansas, basic training at Ft. Atterbury, Indiana, followed by a transfer to Ft. Carson, Colorado as well as a tour to Korea. He is a Korean War Veteran. Norman married his wife, Betty Joan Lillich of St. Francis, KS on July 30, 1953. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in July 2013. To this union, four daughters were born – the first was still born and buried in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Bethune, CO, - the second – Lillian Kathleen - the third – Judith Yvonne – the fourth – Pamela Jean. Following his military service, Norman began his career as a professional Truck Driver which he enjoyed until his retirement in October 1989. He loved the open road and getting to see the country side. He hauled a variety of loads, including grain, watermelons, cattle, and swine, but probably enjoyed the last 8 years the most. He and wife, Betty, team drove together and specialized in oversized loads. He started his next career, Norm’s 36” Yard Service, in the spring of 1990. He loved running those Walker lawn mowers and visiting with all his customers. He enjoyed this until his retirement in 2011. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, his In-Laws, one sister-in-law, and two brother-in-laws and a still born baby daughter. He leaves behind his wife, Betty, of Bethune, two sisters and one brother-in-law, Irene Hilt of St. Francis, KS and Doris Barchenger and husband, George, of Grand Junction, CO, three daughters, Lillian Kathleen Jenkins and husband, Carl, of St. Francis, KS, Judith Yvonne Hadley and husband, John, of Missouri City, TX, and Pamela Jean Mills and husband, Tony, of Bethune, CO. He also leaves to mourn him, eight grandsons, Chad Jenkins and wife, Stephany of Johnstown, CO, Brad Jenkins and wife Sara, of Johnstown, CO, Martin Jenkins and wife, Heather of Loveland, CO, Nathan Jenkins and wife, Kimberly of Johnstown, CO, Gery Whipple of Holyoke, CO, Johnathan Whipple of Englewood, CO, Cody Mills and wife, Cathy, of Greeley, CO and Kelby Mills of Stratton, CO., as well as 16 Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Granddaughter with many relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.