Paula J. Kramer

Paula was born April 2, 1959, to Ferdinand Joseph and Nettie Frances (Morath) Stenger in St. Louis, Missouri. She was raised in Cooper County, Missouri. She attended Martinsville Catholic and SS Peter and Paul Catholic schools before graduating from New Franklin High School in 1977.

Paula's life was defined by compassion, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She began her career at State Farm Insurance, where she worked for 15 years. It was there that she met the love of her life, Denny Kramer. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and on June 6, 1998, they were married in Columbia, Missouri. Together with Paula’s children, Brian Murdock and Jade Murdock, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.

Paula never stopped learning or pursuing her dreams. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Columbia College in 2009. She later returned to school and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Columbia College in 2014. Becoming a registered nurse was one of her proudest accomplishments. She began her nursing career at the University of Missouri before continuing her work at Columbia Endoscopy Center. Nursing was more than a career to Paula—it was a calling. She cared deeply for every patient who came into her life, offering not only skilled hands but a gentle heart, a listening ear, and genuine kindness.

Paula found joy in life's simple blessings. She had a special affection for animals, enjoyed baking treats for those she loved, found peace in painting, and loved traveling to new places with family and friends. She was an incredibly talented seamstress who lovingly created Halloween costumes for her children year after year. Her beautiful, imaginative creations won many contests, but to Paula, the greatest reward was seeing the excitement and smiles on her children's faces.

Above all else, Paula's greatest joy was her family. Whether gathered around the dinner table, celebrating holidays, spoiling her grandchildren, or simply enjoying everyday moments together, she treasured every moment they shared.

Paula is survived by her devoted husband, Denny Kramer of Columbia, Missouri; her children, Brian (Hollie) Murdock of Overland Park, Kansas, and Jade Murdock of Columbia, Missouri; her beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Adam, Lillian, and Alexander Murdock; her siblings, Steve (Debra) Stenger of Ocala, Florida, Jodi Rapp of Jefferson City, Missouri, Joe (Patti) Stenger of St. Louis, Missouri, George (Pam) Stenger of Macon, Missouri, Connie (Allen) Hackman of Fayette, Missouri, Jackie (Kevin) Kampeter of Jefferson City, Missouri, Karl (Marylee) Stenger of Ocala, Florida, and Tonya (Jeff) Drinen of Festus, Missouri; her sister-in-law, Joyce Stenger of Forsyth, Missouri; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Kramer of Columbia, Missouri; the father of her children, Ronald (Diana) Murdock of New Franklin, Missouri; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mike Stenger; her father-in-law, Larry Kramer; and her brother-in-law, Tom Rapp.

Though her family grieves the loss of her physical presence, their faith assures them that they will see her again. They find comfort in knowing that her kindness, strength, compassion, and love will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is one of selfless service, unconditional love, and quiet generosity. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to CurePSP to advance research into corticobasal degeneration, in the hope that future families may have better treatments and, someday, a cure.

https://tinyurl.com/paula-kramer-curepsp

A memorial service will be held at 12:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints LDS building located at 4708 Highlands Parkway, Columbia, MO 65203. A luncheon will immediately follow in the cultural hall behind the chapel. A committal prayer and inurnment will be held at a later date.