Gerald F. “Jerry” Kramer, 89

Gerald F. “Jerry” Kramer, age 89, of Adams, died Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Cedar Court in Adams.

Jerry spent his life on the family farm along the Minnesota-Iowa State Line, started by his kinfolk more than 146 years ago. As a child, he helped herd cattle on the day of the Armistice Day Blizzard.

He graduated from Adams High School in 1952. Jerry was a standout baseball player for the Adams Tigers and Johnsburg Johnnies. He was mechanically inclined and took great satisfaction in redesigning and fixing things. He was inducted into the Mower County Livestock Hall of Fame.

Jerry met Elaine Schwerin at the Terp Ballroom in Austin; a year later, they were husband and wife. In retirement, they bought a lake cabin near Longville, Minnesota where they enjoyed hosting parties.

Besides farming, Jerry served as a Captain in the Minnesota National Guard Summer and Winter Operations from 1957-77 and even trained in Alaska, where he learned to climb mountains and demonstrated a talent for snow skiing that he shared with family and neighbors. He also worked as manager of the Adams American Legion Post 146. Jerry will be remembered for his passion for patriotic causes honoring veterans. He was a color guard at many local military funerals and donated the money to create the Johnsburg Veterans’ Memorial.

Jerry was a fan of Pro Stock car racing and always eager to watch his son and grandchildren behind the wheel.

Survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Elaine (Schwerin) of Adams, Minnesota; children, David Kramer (Patricia) of Sterling, Colorado; James Kramer (Jane) of Oakton, Virginia; Mark Kramer (Janet) of Castle Rock, Colorado; Diana Cahoy (Dr. Philip) of Grand Island, Nebraska; grandchildren, Deric Kramer (Adriann Sawyer), Danielle Kramer and Daria Vang (Chris); Dr. Jordan Kramer (Naomi Plesset), Kyle Kramer (Marielle Rodgers) and Taylor Kramer; Dr. Courtney Cahoy (Dr. Thomas Bainter), Steven Cahoy (Mikalah Cahoy PA), Dr. Kevin Cahoy and Carson Cahoy; great grandson, McLain Cahoy; sister, Lyda Mandler (Harold) of Red Wing, Minnesota, brother-in-law, Elmer Schwerin (Pat) of Longville, Minnesota; and sister-in-law, Ruth Kramer of Rochester, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Agnes (Hartogh) Kramer; his brother and farming partner, Harry Kramer; and sister, Leone Ulwelling (Paul).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg with Father James Berning officiating. There will be a 4:30 pm rosary on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the Adams Funeral Home followed by visitation from 5-7 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home from 9:30-10:30 am the morning of the funeral. Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery with military rit es by the Adams American Legion Post #146.

Memorials are preferred to the Johnsburg Cemetery to help maintain the Veterans’ Memorial.

Arrangements by the Adams Funeral Home.