Robert Joseph Kramer, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at Holy Spirit Parish, Sacred Heart Church with Fr. Steve Garner officiating. The burial will follow at Dubuque Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Military Honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #6. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, where there will be a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.

Robert was born September 20, 1932, in Dubuque IA, the son of Ray and Agnes (Gotto) Kramer.  He married Donnabelle Douglas on June 20, 1958.  Robert served his country in the US Army from 1953 to 1955, first trained as a mechanic but then became the base clerk as they found out he could type 34 words a minute. Bob was the first Certified Kitchen Designer in Dubuque and loved to offer his advice to his children about the best way to lay out a kitchen for maximum use and enjoyment.  He loved working with his customers and was dedicated to delivering the best service.

Bob was very involved in the community and loved to meet people and find a connection. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, VFW Post, American Legion Post, past Exalted Ruler of the Elk’s club and a Commodore of the Dubuque Boat Club. He loved socializing, going out to dinner and especially dancing with his beautiful wife.  Bob was also a Master Gardener and was very proud of his garden and flower beds.

He loved attending his grandchildren’s activities and telling stories of the Kramer farm that he and his brother Joe worked at during their summers off school.  Dad could fix almost anything and would help anyone who called with repairing a house, building a garage or deck, or fixing their car. He believed in the value of putting in a good day’s work, and also loved any reason to host a party at the Kramer home.  He and Donnabelle loved sharing their home with friends and family.

Bob is survived by his seven children who will miss him greatly: Jolee R. (Kevin) Arensdorf of Montrose, CO; Robin R. (Ron) Bauerly of Macomb, IL; Paula D. (Roger Welsh) Kramer of Dubuque, IA; Lynne R. Kramer of Dubuque, IA; Tracy S. (Jeff) Gallery of Stilwell, KS; Robert R. (Lisa) Kramer of Mantorville, MN; and Chad D. of Dubuque, IA.;  15 beloved grandchildren: Nicole (Chris) Rogers; Chelsea (Calvin Gracey) Arensdorf; Taylor (Will) McArtor; Shannon (Nathan) Orris; Thomas Bauerly; Desirae (Adam) Gillies; Lindsey (Chris) Grue; Cole Welsh; Dakota (Brittney) Puls; Haylee (Matthew) Hopper; Nolan Gallery; Keegan Gallery; Collin Gallery; Nathaniel Kramer; April Polansky; 17 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary (Bob) Hood and Karen Seeley, one brother, Joe (Judy) Kramer, one sister-in-law, Pat Kramer, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donnabelle, his parents Ray and Agnes Kramer, his brother Bill, his sister and her husband, Marjorie and Rich Sieverding, brother-in-law, Jim Seeley and his father and mother-in-law, Herbert and Benita Douglas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque or Sacred Heart Church of Dubuque, Iowa.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hawkeye Care Center, the VA nurses and care workers; Dianne Stecklein and her staff at No Place Like Home for her team’s support over the past few years, and Hospice of Dubuque for their care and compassion during the last few weeks of his journey.