Neal K. Kramer

 Neal K. Kramer, 79, of Potosi, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, at Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, after a short and sudden illness. In keeping with Neal's wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. The Martin Schwartz Funeral Home, Potosi, is in charge of arrangements. He was born on Dec. 22, 1928, in Prairie du Chien, son of Florence and Anna (Pintz) Kramer. He married Joyce M. Pettera on Feb. 18, 1950, at St. John's Catholic Church, Prairie du Chien; she preceded him in death in 2005. He missed her every day of his remaining years. He spent more than 17 years with the Burlington Northern Railroad before joining John Deere Dubuque Works. He retired from John Deere in 1992, after 26 years of service. Neal had many interests, but especially loved traveling, golfing, playing cards, feeding the ducks and fish and telling stories. His time spent in Florida socializing with his dear friends and family made his last years fun and memorable. Surviving are his three daughters, Cynthia (Doug) Leibfried, of Hazel Green, Debra (Gary) Droessler, of Potosi, and Lori (Mark) Stewart, of Dubuque; a son, Rick (Dianne) Kramer, of Hayward; 12 grandchildren; 12 stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren and two on the way; 12 stepgreat-grandchildren and one on the way; and a stepgreat-great grandson. He also was preceded in death by a son, Terry Kramer; his mother, Anna (Pintz) Kramer; his father, Florence Kramer; two brothers, Franklin Kramer and Eldon Kramer; three sisters, Emma Wiess, Ila Gentes and Ellen (Honey) Walker; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Kramer.

A Neal K. Kramer Memorial Fund has been established.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dad's Florida friends and family, especially his niece, Nancy Wischmeyer, for all the love, support and friendship they gave to Mom and Dad through the years.