Bernardus “Ben” Kramer, 85, passed away in his Chino, CA home on November 3, 2013. Ben was born the sixth of seven children to Bernardus and Johanna Kramer on January 25, 1928, in Tilberg, The Netherlands.
Ben first came to the U.S. to attend college at a state school in Magnolia, Arkansas, in January, of 1952. After one semester, he transferred to the University of Texas, in Austin, where he received his bachelors and masters degrees in U.S .History and American Government. After graduation, he moved to Houston where he met and married Carol Van Dover. They both taught at Spring Branch Jr. High School until their move to Chino in the summer of 1962.
Ben was a teacher and administer for 26 years at Chino and Don Lugo High Schools. He also taught at Chino Institution for Woman, Chaffee College, and The University of Phoenix.
An expert chef, he mastered his native Dutch and Indonesian recipes as well as American fare. He was a life-long lover of soccer, and a superior story teller with a great sense of humor. He spoke five languages, and was an accomplished linguist. He loved to travel, watching the University of Texas Longhorns play football, classical music, crossword puzzles, letter writing, and gatherings with family and friends.
He is survived by Carol, his wife of 53 years, a brother Henk, of The Netherlands, three sons, Ben Jr., Ty, and Paul. Also surviving him are two daughters-in-laws, Melinda and Betsy, and seven grandchildren, Ben lll, Jake, Clara, Katharine, Billy, Hannah, and Emily. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be Friday, November 8, 2013 @ Pierce Brothers Griffith Chapel 5pm-8pm with rosary @ 7pm, Funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 9, 2013 @ St Margaret Mary Catholic Church 1:00pm. Funeraria Del Angel Pierce Brothers Griffith in charge of arrangements.
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