In loving memory of
Michael Kramer

• February 14, 1944
• -
• August 17, 2024

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With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Frank Kramer, age 80, on August 17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida due to polycythemia vera that developed into leukemia.

Michael was born on February 14,1944, in West Point, Iowa to Richard Frank Kramer and Dorothy Cook Kramer. He was the second born of seven children. Mike began his career as a technician with Eastman Kodak and retired as an executive with Kodak at 47 years old. In 1975, he married the love of his life Sherry Phillips Kramer. Always together, they went on many adventures, sailed, built and remodeled their homes, enjoyed woodworking, and traveled the country in their RV. Along the way, they sampled many good beers, as Mike said his profession was that of an Official Beer Taster. In the course of 53 years, Mike enjoyed over 8,000 beers and documented them all closely. Although Mike and Sherry enjoyed living in the southwest, Sherry lovingly suggested they move to Florida almost 7 years ago to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren. This turned out to be quite prophetic since Sherry passed away 2 years later from liver cancer, and Mike began to experience health issues after that. His family in Florida was there to happily care for them both.

His sense of humor was like that of a young soul and it would often catch people unaware. His mind was sharp and quick witted until the end. He was well loved by the doctors and nurses that cared for him during his long journey with polycythemia vera. His sense of humor kept everyone laughing and smiling. His granddaughters’ friends would remark that they had such a cool grandpa.He could fix anything and Mike restored several antique cars. Like his beloved, Sherry, he had a meticulous eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills. His garage was always immaculate, like something from a mechanic’s or woodworker’s magazine.

A truly beloved father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, Mike has six granddaughters: Kaylea, Elizabeth, Stephanie, Jessica, Dorothea, and Aolanea. He has four great-grandchildren: Samson, Lily, Gideon, and Jonah. Mike’s granddaughters and children are going to miss all his knowledge and skill, his wit, and calm, kind presence.