William “Bill” F. Kramer, “Billy K, ” 73, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on August 12, 2026, following a brief cardiac event.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family burial will take place at Linwood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, is assisting the family.

Bill was born April 1, 1953, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Viola (Gross) Kramer. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Hempstead High School in 1971, where his name remains proudly displayed in the school hallway.

Bill married the love of his life, Cheryl Bowers, on December 10, 1971. Together, they shared 54 years of marriage and raised three children, Cory (Jessica) Kramer, Joel (Amy) Kramer, and Ashley Kramer, all of Dubuque.

Bill was a proud grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Carter (Taylor) Kramer, Landin (Emily) Kramer, Jaida Kramer, Adler (Riley Dupont) Kramer, Ethan (Rachel McKibbon) Kramer, Adam Kramer, Braiden Kramer, Cody Ricks, Abby Ricks, and Brooke Ricks. He was also a great-grandfather to Oaklynn, Casyn, and Charlie Kramer, with another great-grandchild on the way.

Bill worked at John Deere in Dubuque for 30 years until his retirement in 2002. Shortly after retiring, Bill and Cheryl purchased and operated Cue Masters Billiards in Dubuque, a place that combined two things Bill loved most: people and pool.

To say Bill loved the game of pool is an understatement. Pool was more than a hobby to Bill–it was a passion and a major part. of his life. He hosted and participated in pool tournaments, traveled to watch tournaments, and became well known for moving and recovering pool tables and creating unique, one-of-a-kind pool cues. Over the years, he built a large and cherished “pool family” who will deeply miss his friendship, his stories, and his unmistakable personality.

You could often find Bill at an auction, searching for his next treasure to bring home. He loved finding something interesting and imagining what he could do with it. Bill was never one to shy away from a project, no matter how big or unusual. One of his most recent projects was a 1956 Chevy Bel Air that he was transforming into a one-of-a-kind combination of a Bel Air and an El Camino–his “Bel Camino.” True to who Bill was, he was working on projects and making plans right up until his final days.

Bill will be remembered for his love of his family, his appreciation for good auction finds, his creativity, his willingness to tackle any project, and the many friendships he made throughout his life. He leaves behind a legacy of stories, laughter, projects, friendships, and, most importantly, a family who loved him dearly.

Bill is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his three children, Cory (Jessica), Joel (Amy), and Ashley; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, with another on the way; his siblings, MaryKay (john) Casper, Judy Priebe, Sandy (Mike) Kapparos, and Linda (Terry) Weidemann; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Viola; his mother and father-in-law, Randall and Virginia Bowers; a great granddaughter Charlie Kramer, his siblings, Marcella Giellis, Clarence Kramer, Shirley Jones, Laverne Kramer. and Wayne Kramer.

The family would like to thank the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, especially the MICU unit and Floor 7 Palliative Care, for their care and compassion toward Bill and the family.

Memorials will be directed to some of Bill’s favorite organizations.