Arnold E. Kramer

ARNOLD EDWARD KRAMER, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a son of Henry S. and Anna (nee Salomon) Kramer. Arnold was a life-long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran School and Concordia Lutheran High School. Arnold served his country proudly as a gunner on a B-17 in World War II. He was shot down and severely wounded. He was then treated and imprisoned as a POW for seven months but ultimately recovered to lead a fulfilling and active life as a role model and relentless worker. Arnold married Neoma Eilene Springer the daughter of Gabriel Springer and Anna (nee Facks) Springer on Oct. 3, 1953. Arnold lived and worked his entire life on the family farmstead and also worked for I&M Electric (AEP) for 47 years as a substation mechanic and foreman. Arnold was at his best when he was calling square dances, typically performing with Betty Lou and The Gay Notes. Arnold loved music, and often burst into song in his later years. He was also active in Rural Youth, church affairs, 4-H, and the Allen County Farm Bureau. He is survived by sons, Daniel (Melissa) and Mark (Teri) Kramer; daughter, Rebekah (Bob) Demaree; seven grandchildren, Benjamin, Rachael, Nicholas, and Allison Demaree, and Christianna, Gabriel, and Kerrin Kramer; and sister, Louise Hockemeyer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Neoma; brother, Edward Kramer; and sister, Dorothy Kuehnert. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1126 S. Barr St., Fort Wayne, with viewing one hour before the service. Viewing also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2013, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Preferred memorials to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Permanent Endowment Fund, Concordia Lutheran High School Student Scholarship Fund, or the Veteran's Organization of the donor's choice.