Mary Lou Kramer, 97, of Epworth, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, September 13, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Visitation for Mary Lou will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 at the funeral home.

Services for Mary Lou will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Epworth, Iowa.  Burial will be held in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Epworth, Iowa.

Mary Lou was born on January 27, 1929, in Placid, Iowa, the daughter of Vincent and Mary [Horsfield] McDermott. She grew up on the family farm in Placid and attended area schools. Dedicated to her education, she spent much of her high school years living away from home with families in the community in order to attend school. She graduated from Epworth High School and was the salutatorian of her (ten-member) graduating class, an achievement she remained proud of throughout her life.

On September 27, 1950, she married the love of her life, Fred Kramer, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Placid, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. Mary Lou was a devoted Catholic whose strong faith guided her throughout her life.

After graduating from high school, she worked at Greenwood’s Grocery in Farley while Fred served in the military. She also spent 15 years working in Food Service at Western Dubuque.

She was a talented seamstress and crocheter, known for her intricate doilies, baby blankets and potholders. She also worked alongside Fred to create wooden Old-World Santa’s, many of which made their way into homes throughout the community. In her later years, when she was no longer able to crochet, you could find her relaxing in her chair, rosary in hand.

Mary Lou loved to travel, especially with her sisters. Among her favorite adventures were trips to Paris and Ireland, exploring her family ancestry and creating cherished memories. She was also an avid sports fan and a lifelong supporter of the Chicago Cubs.

She loved a conversation. One of her biggest joys in life was visiting with people. She loved to talk about the history of the community – a walking encyclopedia of who was related to whom in Dubuque County!

Anyone who visited Mary Lou knew they would likely be offered a cookie before they left. Her love of sharing treats became so legendary that her great-grandchildren affectionately nicknamed her “Grandma Cookie,” a title she wore with pride.

Above all else, Mary Lou’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured every gathering, holiday, celebration, and ordinary day spent together. Nothing made her happier than having her family under one roof. Mary Lou will be remembered for her strong faith, generous spirit, and the countless conversations and memories she shared.

She is survived by her children, Mary Jo Kramer [Bob Lindell] of Minneapolis, MN, Phil [Lori] Kramer of Epworth, Kevin [partner, Becky Thomas] Kramer of Dyersville, Amy Beard [fiancé, Ron Evans] of Brentwood, TN; Ronnie [Susie] Kramer of Epworth; 10 grandchildren, Danielle [Tyler] Benjamin of Epworth, Samantha [Jim] Gotto of Marion, Andrea [Brandon] Harms of Dubuque; Katelyn [Logan] Kubovec of Dubuque, Kameron [Megan] Kramer of Dyersville, Cali [Wesley] Beard-Simmons of Gallatin, TN, Amanda [Ryan] Hess of Baton Rouge, LA, Ellie [Nick] Wegmann of Epworth, Dylan [Mariah] Kramer of Farley, Beau [Anne] Kramer of Epworth; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lucy Re of Howell, MI and Darlene King of Canton, Il; a sister-in-law, Helen McDermott of Epworth.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred. She is also preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Kenny Beard; brothers, Ralph McDermott and Patrick L. McDermott; brothers-in-law, Bernard [Bernice] Kramer, Herbert [Irene] Kramer, Edward [Dola] Kramer, Vince [Connie] Kramer, Jim [Nancy] Kramer; sisters-in-law, Mary [Orland] McDermott, Fran [Ray] Schmitt, Anita [James] McDermott.

The family would like to share special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, as well as the exceptional care from Donna Bardon, Vanita Bries and Janet Hall.