Martin Alan Kramen

He is survived by his loving wife Gretchen, his beloved sister Audrey, his son Randy and daughter-in-law Jenny, daughter Rebecca and son-in-law Tyler, two adoring grandchildren, his nephews Bradley and Dale, niece Holly, and countless family, friends, former patients and softball teammates.

Born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Kramen was the son of Anne Levin Kramen, a school principal, and Edward Julius Kramen, an operating engineer for Material Service.

After earning a masters degree in anatomy and physiology from the University of Kansas and a PhD in gynecology and obstetrics from Johns Hopkins, Dr. Kramen took a job as a professor and researcher at UT-San Antonio Medical School (in part) because it would allow him to play softball year-round.

At UTSA, Dr. Kramen was part of a research team that helped pioneer in-vitro fertilization and earned him notoriety in Time Magazine. He was accepted to the UTSA Medical School at 37 and went on to build a family practice that served North Dallas for 28 years.

Dr. Kramen was a father of three, a movie aficionado, a longtime softball player, computer gamer, traveler, student of the banjo, and a creature of habit who enjoyed his daily newspaper (especially the crossword), nightly TV shows, and Saturday morning breakfasts at Deli News.

He was a generous soul, a listener, a quiet and tolerant man who was always there for his family and friends no matter what.

He was there to move me into the dorm at UT-Austin, to help with my wedding and first house, to move me into my classroom when I began teaching. He was there to shepherd me through a surgery, call in prescriptions, dress up in funny wigs and mustaches for my softball documentary, and eat breakfast with our family at Deli News almost every Saturday.

My father was there at formative moments in my life: In 2nd grade I was assigned a book report. I chose a Garfield comic book; my Dad insisted I read J.R.R Tolkein’s “The Hobbit” and handed me a dictionary to learn the words I didn’t know. The bar was set high that day. I strive every day of my life to meet his expectations.

He was also there at the toughest times in my life: In my junior year at UT, I lost one of my best friends to a drug overdose, a shocking and unexpected death. I remember my father’s embrace, as he held me tightly in his arms in the game room upstairs, until my tears subsided.

Through his love and living example I have become the teacher, filmmaker, friend and father I have always wanted to be.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10 am at Sparkman/Hillcrest in Dallas (7405 W Northwest Hwy).

According to Jewish tradition, the family will sit Shiva Wednesday and Thursday evening, 6:30p.m. at his family home.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The American Cancer Society.