Roger Dean Kramer
Roger Dean Kramer was born March 15, 1942, to Vern and Opal (Thomas) Kramer in Holyoke, Colorado. He passed away on Jan. 18, 2023, at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke.
Roger grew up southeast of Holyoke in the Pleasant Valley community. He attended elementary school at Fairview. He and his siblings rode horses to the country school. He liked to say that if he walked to school, it was uphill both directions. Roger attended high school in Holyoke, graduating in 1960. He was actively involved in FFA during those years. He then went to college for one year at Colorado State University. He came back to work on the farm with his dad and brother, Mickey. Roger enlisted in the Air Force in 1964. He married Mary Beth Dubbert on May 8, 1965. They celebrated 57 years of marriage last year. He and Mary Beth lived in Colorado Springs before he was eventually transferred to Thailand. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1967. He and Mary Beth then returned to make their home in Holyoke eventually having two daughters, Lisa and Kathi. He was actively involved during their childhoods with their various activities.
Roger worked on the family ranch/farm with his dad and Mickey, eventually adding brothers Garry, Randy and Byron to the operation. They formed Kramer Feedlot and ran a successful operation for many years. Roger loved to feed the cattle and work at the feedlot. He and Mary Beth traveled with family and friends extensively over the years both in the United States and to Canada, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, taking each of their three grandchildren on a senior trip. One of his favorite places to visit was Branson, Missouri. He always seemed to find the slot machines at various casinos along the way.
Roger served as a director on the Holyoke Coop Board for many years, enjoying his time spent with fellow directors and patrons. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Patrick Church. He was also a member of the American Legion since he returned from his military service. He proudly displayed the American flag at his home.
Roger loved to spend time with his family. There were many family gatherings with siblings and cousins which involved playing cards. He greatly enjoyed the yearly Kramer family reunions and the pitch games. As his grandkids grew up, he attended many sporting events, cheerleading competitions, and FFA activities. He really enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and will be greatly missed.
Roger is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; two daughters Lisa (Tim) Schilke of Lamar and Kathi (Michael) Stanley of Holyoke, Colorado; three grandchildren Derek (Mykaela) Schilke of Lamar, Meghan Mikesell of Fort Collins, Colorado and Kayla Schilke of Omaha; step granddaughter Savannah Stanley of Lakewood, Colorado; with his first great-granddaughter expected in February; brothers Garry (Tina) Kramer, Randy (Karin) Kramer and Byron (Kim) Kramer, all of Holyoke; sisters Joanne (Russ) Wieland of Berthoud, Colorado and Joyce (Ray) Malleck of Imperial; sister-in-law Gwen Triplette of Holyoke; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mickey; sister-in-law Lynda Kramer; grandson Jared Schilke; and father and mother-in-law August and Ruth Dubbert.
Visitation for Roger was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Holyoke on Jan. 24 from 4-6 p.m. with the Rosary at 7 p.m.
Funeral services were held on Jan. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation or St. Patrick Catholic Church.
Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.