Benjamin J. Kramer Obituary (1918 - 2007)

Benjamin J. Kramer, 88, of Pana, died Sunday, May 13, 2007 at 1:14 A.M. in Heritage Manor-Pana. He was born November 26, 1918 in Rosamond Township in Christian County, the son of Ben H. and Mary Swiney Kramer. He married Lorraine C. Mizeur on November 20, 1940 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Pana. He was a retired farmer. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Pana, Knights of Columbus, and very active in the Tower Hill Lions Club until his health wouldn't allow. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, which is a growing network of individuals who are committed to improving the quality of life for people locally and in communities around the world, by Lions Club International Foundation in 1995. He was known by many people for his love of music and volunteering to play with his band at nursing homes and various other places throughout the years. For many years people enjoyed viewing the Kramers' outdoor Christmas display with the mechanical Ferris wheel, sailboat, helicopter, and airplane and numerous figures which were all handmade by Ben. Surviving are 3 sons: Charles "Chuck" and wife Janet of Lakeland, TN; James "Jim" and wife Sue of Decatur; and Kenneth "Kenny" and wife Beverly of Tower Hill; and daughter Mary Kimmel and husband Terry of Pana; 2 sisters, Clara Borgic and husband Wayne, and Kathryn Lehn both of Pana. There are 11 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son Robert in infancy. Funeral Information Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana with Rev. Don J. Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2007 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home, Pana, with rosary at 5:00 p.m.