Charles F. Kramer, 77

Father, brother, and friend to many, Charles Frederick “Charlie” Kramer, 77, departed this earthly life at Hospice House on January 14, 2013.

Charles was born Jan. 3, 1936 in Dickinson, N.D. to parents Earl and Idah Kramer. He grew up in Mott, N.D., graduating from Mott Lincoln High School in 1954. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and married Donna Fiedler in September 1958 during his third year of school. Graduating with a BA in history and political science in 1959, Charles then attended the North Dakota Highway Patrol Training Academy in Devils Lake, N.D. and accepted a post in Stanley, N.D. Charles and Donna moved to Stanley in August 1959, where Charles was a state trooper for nine years. He resigned from the Patrol in 1968, and accepted the Administrator position with the Stanley Community Hospital, a job he held for twenty years. Charles was a member of the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department for 26 years and was chief for six of those years, and was president of the ND Firefighters’ Association for two years. He was also involved in Jaycees, and was a proud supporter of his children’s sports, music, and academic activities. Charles moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1989, where he was the CEO of Coeur d’Alene Homes for several years before retiring.

A life-long Lutheran, Charles was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mott and was an active member of American Lutheran Church in Stanley and Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene, volunteering his time and talents. He loved reading and had an extensive library of books and magazines on many different topics. He also enjoyed listening to jazz and staying involved in political and environmental causes. Charles was known for his wit and humor, and he was always ready with a joke or a funny story. He was a friend to many at the Lakewood Ranch Retirement Community, and will be missed at morning coffee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Idah Kramer, and his brother Jack Kramer, Mott. He is survived by: his children Jonathan Kramer and Kay Suzanne “Suzie” Kramer-Brenna, Bismarck, N.D., and Joel Kramer and daughter-in-law Olivia Ainza Kramer, Rio Rico, Ariz.; brother Jim Kramer and sister-in-law Linda Kramer, Bismarck; three grandchildren; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Charles will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 812 N. 5th Street, Coeur d’Alene, on January 17 at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID, 83835. Please sign Charles’ online guestbook at wwww.yatesfuneralhomes.com and share your special memories and stories of Charles.